Tantrums, Sulking… and Murder?

You know the story of Cain and Abel, right?

The first kids… Cain was a farmer. His younger brother, Abel, was a herdsman.

The brothers brought offerings to God. Cain brought some produce; Abel brought a firstborn animal from his herd.

God was pleased with Abel’s offering but Cain didn’t get God’s approval. There are many theories and ideas about why (including a pretty funny explanation of how God approves of meat-eaters but not vegetarians or vegans).

I’m not so interested in the theories of why one offering was better than the other. It’s what happened next that fascinates me – Cain throws a huge tissy fit.

“Cain lost his temper and went into a sulk. God spoke to Cain: ‘Why this tantrum? Why the sulking? If you do well, won’t you be accepted?’ Cain had words with his brother. They were out in the field; Cain came at Abel his brother and killed him.” (Genesis 4.5-8 MSG).

Yikes! What a terrible overreaction of hostility flowing from this little boy’s bruised ego.

I’m not even sure who Cain was mad at…

Was he mad at God? Himself? His younger brother? Everyone? Just embarrassed, hurt and mad at the world?

It’s scary what flows from us when we’re upset. Without grace we are bitter, angry, petty, vindictive and hurtful. Without grace, we destroy relationships.

We need grace.

Grace loves, covers, forgives, accepts, receives, restores, heals, blesses, encourages, rejoices and builds.

God, give us grace!