Are You Abel?

Are You Abel?

The story of Cain and Abel is as old as time. One brother kills another out of jealousy, right? There is really much more to this story. In truth, the story is all about giving all to God. Cain and Abel were brothers that both presented offerings to God. Abel always gave the very best of what he had as an offering to God, but Cain just gave what was required. Because God knows our hearts, He knew that Cain wasn’t giving from the heart. He knew that Cain was giving out of obligation. That is why He appreciated the gifts from Abel so much more! God wasn’t showing favoritism here, He was rejoicing in a gift from the heart.

Now back to the question: Are you Abel? You may think this question refers to the money you put in the offering plate on Sunday, but really it isn’t. Giving to the Lord is a LOT more that what happens in the offering plate on Sunday. It is really about what happens outside of church altogether. We are talking 24/7, 365 days a year. How much of your heart (and your time) are you truly giving out of love for the Lord? How much are you giving to others out of this love? Do you find yourself doing things out of obligation or because of what people will think or are you doing them because your heart is so filled with the Lord that you want to share that love with others?

Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'

Matthew 22:37-39