Scripture Reading
1 John 3:15–16
15 Anyone who hates another brother or sister[a] is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don’t have eternal life within them.
16 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.
Hebrews 11:4
4 It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.
Reflection
John places two examples before us: Cain and Christ. Cain's bitterness and jealousy led to destruction. Jesus' love led Him to lay down His life for others.
Most of us would never commit murder, but Jesus teaches us that hatred, resentment, bitterness, and contempt reveal deeper issues of the heart. John asks us to honestly examine whether we are becoming more like Cain or more like Christ.
Reflection Questions
Is there anyone toward whom I am holding bitterness or resentment?
Have I allowed hurt or disappointment to harden my heart?
How has Christ demonstrated sacrificial love toward me?
What would it look like to respond to difficult people the way Jesus responds to me?
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for laying down Your life for me. Search my heart and reveal any bitterness, anger, or resentment that I have been carrying. Help me forgive as I have been forgiven and love as You have loved me. Amen.