1 Adam made love to 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.” 2 Later she gave birth to his brother Abel.Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 3 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord.4 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 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 rule over it.”8 Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.REFLECTIONSWritten by James DavidsonHow are you going in your struggle with sin? What a graphic description of battle here! ‘Sin is crouching at your door: it desires to have you, but you must rule over it’ (v 7). We dare not take sin lightly. The apostle Peter gave a similar description of Satan, the one who tempts us to sin, ‘Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.’ (1 Peter 5:8).Why did Cain give in? First, he built on the wrong foundation. His offering was not brought with faith (see Hebrews 11:4). Then, because Abel pleased God and he didn’t, he became jealous which led to anger and self-pity. At that point, he still had a choice, but he let sin rule over him and vented his anger by killing Abel. We need to fight in the strength that God provides. ‘Be alert and of sober mind’ (1 Peter 5:8). Be aware of your weaknesses and stay away from situations you know are dangerous for you.‘Resist him (the devil), standing firm in the faith.’ (1 Peter 5:9). When tempted we can counter, ‘That is a lie, Satan, here is the truth of God’s word. Get lost!”Often our greatest resource is each other. Let’s confess to each other, support one another and pray for one another. Cain could have sought his brother’s help in fighting sin, but he gave in to it instead.QUESTIONWhat makes you angry? How can you stop your anger leading to sin?ABOUT THE AUTHORJames is an Assistant Minister with our Bossley Park morning congregation.