Someone once said, “Those who envy others are their inferiors.” Another said, “Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host.” These two quotes sum up the jealousy that ate its way through the heart of Cain. Cain’s attitude shows us that jealousy in relationships is not a new phenomenon.

Why did Cain hate Abel? It really wasn’t anything to do with Abel. It was about Cain’s anger with God. He had openly rebelled by bringing the wrong offering and God had rejected it outright. Cain wanted things his own way.

Too often we grow angry with God because we want Him to work on our terms. Abel wisely chose God’s way and was blessed by God. This provoked Cain to unspeakable wrath. He couldn’t destroy God, so he took it out on his brother.

How often we choose the way of Cain! Another’s faithfulness reveals our own sin and we grow angry when God blesses that person.

Spiritual jealousy and rebellion are like cancers which eat away at our souls. Watch out for them, mark them, and ask God to remove these dangerous sins from your life.

As Cain’s tragic life demonstrates, the worst damage is not what’s inflicted upon others, but what happens within our own hearts.