As we examine the ancient story of Cain and Abel, the temptation is to compare their offerings and God’s response, assessing and ranking. But comparison leads to shame, judgement and destruction, even death. Perhaps there’s an alternative approach worth considering as we learn from Cain and Abel, gaining better tools to cultivate healthy relationships. Perhaps the practices of empathy and gratitude become just the antidote we need to heal our brokenness and shame and to bring God our best offering.