We're following the current teaching series, "Fighting Back," as we learn how to battle against the spiritual inhibitors of guilt, anger, greed, jealousy, lust and pride.

Read Genesis 4:1-8

Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, "With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man." Later she gave birth to his brother Abel.

Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

Then the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."

Now Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out to the field." And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

Reflect

This is the very first story right after Adam and Eve are sent out of the Garden of Eden in shame, showing that jealousy is original sin's firstborn child. Why do you think this is so? Why is jealousy so closely tied to pride?

Respond

Father, remind me of the danger of jealousy. Remind me that you take it seriously and that it lies so close to original sin. Protect me from it, and help me turn away from it the moment I sense it trying to settle in my heart. Amen.