Joel M Bradshaw

Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. 3In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, 5but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”–Genesis 4

I am a certified biblical counselor. And in biblical counseling we trust the Bible to address matters of our hearts and submit to its guidance in all areas of our lives. Here there was no Bible yet, but God simply addressed Cain and gave him wise counsel.

1. THE SITUATION. We don’t know why Cain and Abel brought sacrifices to God. We are told in Hebrews 11:4 that it was because of Abel’s faith that made his sacrifice better than that of Cain. The firstborn was a precious sacrifice and the fatty portions smell best on the barbecue. Abel offered his best. Cain was angry about his situation.
2. THE COUNSEL. God met Cain right at the heart level. He questioned Cain’s anger. He gave him hope for the future. And he offered a dire warning about sin that we all need. There are things like how God receives a sacrifice that Cain could not control. But there were things like responding in anger and further sin that Cain absolutely could control.

The things you cannot control, trust God. The things you can control, honor God.–JMB