God’s call to us is to love others as we have been loved by Him. Revisiting Cain’s story in Genesis 4, we see his disrespect for the Lord in that, unlike his brother, his offering was brought “over the course of time” rather than his first produce. When the Lord had shown no regard for his delayed offering, we also observe that Cain ignored the Lord’s correction and counsel, choosing his own way of anger and rebellion. Being aware of our personal devotion and regard for the Lord can help us stay on the path of love. For Cain, the Lord was an afterthought, not his heart’s delight. And rejecting the Lord’s correction ultimately led Cain to hatred, revenge, and murder. Is the Lord ever before us in our thoughts and actions? Or is He neatly tucked away for Sunday mornings or dire circumstances?
Father, in our weakness, we are so prone to choose our own way. We ask that you would shine your light on any areas of our life where we have departed from You and Your path for us. Your way always leads us in love, and we choose to surrender and trust You. May we greet you in the morning before our eyes have yet to open and invite you to guide us in every moment of our day.