Cain and Abel Jealousy
Genesis 4:8 says:
“Then Cain said to his brother Abel, ‘Let us go out to the field.’ And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.”
The story of Cain and Abel, found in Genesis 4, is a powerful lesson about jealousy. Both brothers brought offerings to God, but God accepted Abel’s and rejected Cain’s. Cain became angry—not at God, but at his brother. Hebrews 11:4 explains that Abel’s offering was given “by faith.” If faith comes by hearing, Cain likely failed to follow God’s instructions.
Why was Cain angry with Abel? Likely because Abel’s success exposed Cain’s own shortcomings. Instead of addressing his own failings, Cain allowed jealousy to take over, leading to murder.
This same destructive pattern can creep into our lives. We may feel fine until someone else succeeds. Whether it’s salaries kept secret, athletes demanding top pay, or neighbors competing to “keep up with the Joneses,” it’s all rooted in what I call “Cain and Abel jealousy.”
Jealousy is a trap, and it didn’t end well for Cain. It won’t work for us either.
I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.