Family Quarrels

Genesis 4: 6 - 8, So the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it." Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. NKJV

The Word teaches us that Adam and Eve committed the first sin against God. Unfortunately, mankind has had to suffer the consequences of their actions for thousands of years. After they sinned in the garden, God told them what would be the consequence of their sins. It never occurred to them that one day they would have a son, who would take the life of his brother and cause them unbelievable pain and heartbreak. I can make that assertion on their part because they had no record or way of knowing what sin really does to the human race. How could they know what murder was or that their own flesh and blood was capable of such a horrific act of violence?

Adam and Eve transgressed the commandment of God, and it caused them to have sin in their hearts. However, when Cain slew Abel, it was the first act of sin recorded in the Word against another human. Satan used the sin that was hidden in the heart of man to afflict deep sorrow and hatred upon the first family. All through the Old Testament, we can read where family violence was a way of life for many Jews, who followed the Lord. Just because we know Christ, it doesn't mean that Satan won't attack us or our families and cause us to have to endure some horrible trials.

When Cain discovered that God showed respect for Abel and his offering, but rejected him, it caused Cain to become violently angry and filled with jealousy. Paul tells us to be angry, but not to allow sin to rule our hearts or actions. It was one thing for Cain to be mad, but he also had a jealous heart against his brother's accomplishments. Jealousy is a work of the flesh or the result of sin in the heart of humans. It drove Cain to take the life of his own brother.     

As Cain allowed sin to fill his heart with violence and turn him against God, Satan also used that occasion to turn his heart against the family. The Apostle John wrote in his epistle, "How can we say we love God, whom we have not seen, when we don't love our brothers, whom we have seen?" Sin not only turns our hearts away from God, but it is manifested through our actions by turning our hearts on each other.

God warned Cain not to allow sin to rule over his heart. He also told him that he should rule over sin. Every believer in Christ has the power to rule over sin, but they must be submitted to God and His authority. The Apostle James tells us to submit first to God, resist the Devil, and he will flee from us. If we refuse to submit to God or His Word, then we can become just as open to violence or violating God's Word as Adam, Cain, or David. David was considered by God to be a man after God's own heart and look at the violence he carried out. The result of David's sin brought domestic violence to his home and family, and cost him and Bathsheba great sorrow and loss.

God instituted the family before He introduced His church to humanity. He ordained marriage before He introduced the family. It seems to me what God esteems and holds dear or sacred, Satan loves to defile and destroy with hatred and violence. The Holy Spirit had to "constrain" me to write this as a devotion to you today. I enjoy writing words that encourage and uplift our spirits. However, today, the Lord wants us to realize the need for prayer to be directed to help families that have been torn apart and\or destroyed because of family violence.

You may be a victim of family violence and wondering if God knows or even cares. This is your WORD from Him today, a Word to show you He not only knows, but He also cares for you.

The Name of the Lord Is a Strong Tower,
Pastor Asa Dockery