“In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If 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.”
Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?”
Genesis 4:3-9
In this powerful exploration of the sixth commandment, ‘You shall not murder,' we're challenged to look beyond the literal act and into the depths of our hearts. The story of Cain and Abel serves as a stark reminder that violence begins in our thoughts and emotions long before it manifests in our actions. By learning to investigate our anger, we can address its root causes and respond in ways that honor both ourselves and others as image-bearers of God. In this week’s Sunday Brooklyn message, Pastor Amy Perez invites us to a deeper level of self-awareness and spiritual growth, challenging us to be 'our brother's keeper' in every interaction.
No Ordinary Human
- In Genesis 4, we see a pattern of life coming into the world through a birth, and life being taken away through murder, making us question the purpose and meaning of a human life.
- The sixth through the ninth commandments speak of the sanctity of the neighbor. The world does not exist for our own gain, but all persons have value in the sight of Yahweh.
- After Cain murders Able, God sends him into exile as a fugitive and a wanderer (see Hosea 2:14). But in the wilderness there is a chance for redemption as he depends on God.
- Cain does not wander but instead builds a city where violence multiplies.
- Cities are collections of Image Bearers so they’re sacred; cities are also places of great need, so they’re filled with violence.
"There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.
Nations, cultures, arts, civilization—these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat.
But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit—immortal horrors or everlasting splendors. Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbor is the holiest object presented to your senses.”
—C.S. Lewis
Violence of Spirit
- When we harbor anger and hatred in our hearts, it only leads to violence in our souls.
- Jesus is provocatively showing how anger and verbal abuse are surface manifestations of something much deeper: how much you value or don’t value someone else’s existence.
- We can engage in the act of murder not just with our hands, but with our minds, tongue, and absence.
- Mind: The way we think about people through our secret judgements, resentment we build, and the forgiveness we withhold.
- Tongue: The way we speak has the power of life and death (James 3:9-10).
- Absence: Neglect or even irresponsibility, standing by, allowing evil to perpetuate and not doing whatever is in our power to bring life.
Signals, Not Solutions
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”
Ephesians 4:26–27
How do we handle our anger and resentment?
- Anger
- Anger is an emotion that acts as a signal, but should not be used as a solution.
- When anger appears, don’t ignore it or panic over it, but take the time to look internally and see what other narratives are encroaching. Are you afraid of being vulnerable, or maybe feeling out of control?
- There are two possible responses to anger: Let it go or address it through confrontation
“Like a city breached, without walls, is one who lacks self-control.”
Proverbs 25:28
When you murder, you tear someone apart, but it also tears you apart. You destroy an image of God while your image is torn open.
“So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift."
Mathew 5:23-24
- How can you not seek forgiveness when you are about to enter the presence of the God of Forgiveness? Have you considered who you hold resentment for while you sing songs of praise?
- Jesus is not saying to rush through forgiveness, to slap a “sorry” on something like a bandaid over a severed limb. But he wants you in freedom, active in the Kingdom not in chains in a prison.
- Resentment is a spiritual violence that suffocates the soul of another even as it suffocates you.
Dinner Party Questions:
- How does understanding that every person is made in God's image change the way we treat others, especially those we disagree with or find difficult?
- In what ways might we be 'murdering' others with our thoughts, words, or inaction, even if we've never physically harmed anyone?
- How can we cultivate a spirit of forgiveness, especially when dealing with deep hurts or ongoing conflicts?
Put It Into Practice
- This week, practice slowing down before reacting in anger. Take a moment to pray and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in your response.
- Identify one person you've been harboring resentment towards. Commit to praying for them daily and asking God to help you forgive.
