It is often difficult to love those that are closest. So much easier to give to some noble cause. But God asked Cain: Where is your brother? He held Cain accountable. Rightly so. For in envy Cain had killed Abel. He had thought himself allright and when God did not accept his offering and instead took Abels, Cains anger burned hot. What had Abel done to deserve God's favor? Scripture doesn't talk much about it. It says, that Abels heart was in his rightful place. Did Cain offer to God to be known as a good man? Did he despise his younger brother? Have they been children together, playing, talking, dreaming of great things to come? Nothing mattered any more when Cain took his brother out in the fields and slew him.
It is a huge trap for any of us. Envy, pride, anger. God asks us to be humble, patient and kind. That's what his kingdom is all about. Not about ruling, but serving. Not in words, with a fanfare and pretty comments, but in quiet obedience. The greatest reward lies in this. Being able to be patient and kind, without boasting and envy and pride. That's where heaven begins, for me, in me, around me. Though Abel suffered, it is Cain who is to be pitied for he could not find peace in his heart. Which is the greatest good of all. The one thing worth to be live for, to be sought after, to be cherished and taught.
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