Genesis 4:3-5
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.
In the Old Testament, we read about two brothers, Cain and Abel, who made sacrifices to the Lord. One offering was accepted, and the other was not. This raises an important question: why? Both brothers gave from what they had, so does this mean that God prefers animals to plants? Or is there a deeper message in this story? Let’s explore why Abel’s offering pleased God and how we can also make offerings that are acceptable to Him.
In This Article
Consider This Story
Two brothers live with their mother, who makes them attend church every Sunday. One brother is excited for Sunday mornings. He goes to bed early on Saturday night and wakes up eagerly, ready to attend church before his mother even reminds him. The other brother would rather stay in bed and only goes because his mother insists.
At church, the first brother is engaged in the activities. He sings during worship, listens attentively to the preacher, and genuinely enjoys being in God’s presence. The second brother, however, is just physically present. His mind is elsewhere, and he doesn’t participate in the service.
Which of these two brothers do you think is pleasing to God? Clearly, the one who is excited to worship and eager to learn. Why? Because his attitude shows that he loves the Lord and desires to grow in faith. His actions are driven by faith and a genuine relationship with God, not by obligation or external pressure.
The Lesson
This story mirrors the tale of Cain and Abel. Just as Abel gave his best with faith and devotion, the brother who joyfully attends church reflects a heart that honors God. It’s not about the action itself but the intent and faith behind it.
God desires offerings that come from a place of love, faith, and trust. This could be our time, talents, or resources, but what matters most is the heart behind what we give. Are we offering ourselves to God wholeheartedly or just going through the motions?
How Abel’s Offering Pleased God
Hebrews 11:4
By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.
The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:4 that by faith, Abel offered a better sacrifice than Cain. It wasn’t because God prefers meat over fruits and vegetables, but because Abel’s offering was made with faith. This faith transformed his sacrifice into something pleasing to God.
When you make an offering in faith, it’s not about impressing others or fulfilling a ritual. It’s about considering what will truly honour and please the Lord. Faith-driven offerings aren’t impulsive or superficial. They are intentional, thoughtful, and born out of love for God.
The Difference Between Abel and Cain
In the story of Cain and Abel, Abel’s faith shaped every aspect of his offering. He didn’t just grab any animal at the last minute. Instead, he carefully prepared an offering, knowing in his heart it was for the Lord.
He chose the best animals (the firstborns of his flock – Genesis 4:4), cared for them, and ensured they met the standards outlined in God’s law. He then offered the fat portions of these animals unto the Lord. His offering reflected his deep respect and love for God.
Cain, on the other hand, lacked this intentionality. When it was time to make an offering, he simply grabbed whatever was at hand. The Bible says in Genesis 4:4 that Cain brought some of the fruits. The keyword here is “some”.
Notice how the Bible described Abel’s sacrifice as the fat portions of the firstborns. It didn’t describe Cain’s offerings as the best portions of his firstfruits. Nope, instead, it said some of the fruits. His sacrifice wasn’t rooted in faith or a personal relationship with God. It was merely a routine task, done because it was expected. This lack of faith and preparation made his offering unpleasing to the Lord.
Key Takeaway
Abel’s offering was pleasing to God because it was rooted in faith and intentionality. Cain’s was not, because it lacked both.
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Cain’s Choice and Its Consequences
Genesis 4:6-7
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 rule over it.”
One might wonder, how was Cain to know what was pleasing to God? Genesis 4:6-7 provides the answer. The Lord said to Cain, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?” This reveals that Cain knew exactly what was required of him. He had the opportunity to offer another sacrifice, one that would be pleasing to the Lord, if he truly valued his relationship with God.
But instead of seeking to make things right, Cain chose a darker path. His jealousy and anger led him to commit the unthinkable: he struck and killed his brother, Abel (Genesis 4:8).
Think about it: killing Abel didn’t make Cain’s sacrifice more acceptable to God. It didn’t bring him any closer to the Lord. This shows us that Cain’s actions were not about faith or devotion, they were driven by sin and a heart disconnected from God.
Because of his lack of faith, Cain left the door wide open for sin to take control of his life. As Genesis 4:7 warns, “Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Cain ignored this warning, and sin consumed him, dictating his actions and driving him further from God.
This story emphasizes the truth of Hebrews 11:6: “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” Without faith, we are vulnerable to the power of sin, which separates us from God and leads us into actions that deepen that separation.
Faith, on the other hand, aligns our hearts with God. It enables us to seek His will, resist sin, and grow in a relationship that pleases Him.
Cain’s story is a cautionary tale. It reminds us of the importance of maintaining faith and devotion to the Lord. Without these, we risk letting sin take control of our lives. But through faith, we can live in alignment with God’s desires, offering our best to Him and growing closer to His presence.
Let us choose faith and devotion over anger and sin, seeking always to do what is pleasing to the Lord.
How To Make Offerings That Please God
So based on Cain and Abel’s story, how can you make offerings that are pleasing to the Lord?
1. Offer in Faith
The first and most important principle is to offer in faith. Your offering should stem from a heart filled with faith, trust, and love for God. This means giving with the intention of honouring Him, rather than impressing others or fulfilling obligations. When you give in faith, your act becomes a genuine expression of worship.
2. Be Intentional
Be intentional and purposeful about what you give to the Lord. Avoid giving thoughtlessly or impulsively. Don’t just get up and grab whatever. Take time to prepare your offering. Whether it’s your time, talents, or resources, give your best to the Lord, not your leftovers. Intentionality reflects reverence and gratitude, qualities that honour God.
3. Focus on Relationship
Remember that your offering is an act of worship and an expression of your relationship with God. It’s not about the material value but the heart behind the act. Cultivate a deep, meaningful connection with God through prayer, meditating on His Word, and participating in church activities. A strong relationship with God will naturally lead to offerings that are pleasing to Him.
As you reflect on your own offerings, whether they are acts of service, financial gifts, or time spent with God, ask yourself: Am I giving with faith? Am I offering my best to the Lord?
Let us strive to follow Abel’s example, offering not out of obligation but out of love and devotion to the One who deserves our very best.