Dear Reader,
When we turn to the earliest pages of the Bible, we find the story of two brothers. Cain is remembered for his envy and violence, while Abel is remembered for his quiet faith and righteousness. Though Abel never speaks a recorded word, his actions live on: he gave God his best, offered in faith, and was called righteous by both Christ and the apostles. Cain, by contrast, allowed resentment to fester into hatred, and hatred into murder.
This contrast is not just ancient history—it is the very struggle of our own hearts and our own time.
The Way of Abel: Good Action in Faith
Abel’s story reminds us that goodness often appears in small, faithful actions. He tended his sheep with care. He gave God the best portion. His life was not flashy, but it was real. In Hebrews, we are told, “By faith Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice.” His faith was not theory—it was lived action.
In our world today, Abel’s personality is still needed. To listen instead of rage. To forgive instead of retaliate. To give our best instead of cutting corners. These are the offerings of the heart that speak louder than words.
The Way of Cain: The Cost of Hatred
Cain’s story shows how unchecked anger and envy can poison even family ties. His offering was half-hearted, and when he saw God look favorably on Abel, his anger turned into hate. Instead of mastering sin, Cain was mastered by it.
Today, we see the way of Cain whenever hateful words spread faster than kindness, whenever grudges are cherished more than forgiveness, whenever violence—whether in speech or deed—feels easier than reconciliation. Hatred always destroys more than it builds.
Our Choice Today
We stand at the same crossroad as those two brothers. We cannot control the actions of others, but we can choose our own. Will we walk the way of Cain, letting envy, pride, or bitterness govern us? Or will we take the way of Abel, offering our best with sincerity and faith—even if the world mocks or misunderstands?
The apostle John writes: “Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother… but let us love one another.” (1 John 3:12, 11). In recovery, in faith, in community, we are called to practice the quiet faith of Abel—sincere actions that honor God and serve others—because such actions shine against the darkness of hate.
Even now, Abel’s life still speaks. So may ours
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