A friend and his wife were overjoyed when they brought their firstborn home from the hospital. They had great expectations for this child. Then tragedy struck. The child died from sudden infant death syndrome. The parents and family were devastated. They could choose to be bitter or better.
This couple turned to the Lord for comfort, strength, encouragement during a time of loss of a precious child. They chose to be better and not bitter. The news is filled with people who sustain great losses. It could be an injury, death, or other calamity. Each will react to misfortune differently.
Cain was Bitter
Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, desired to please the Lord because of his faith. He brought an offering to the Lord that was from the best portions of his firstborn lambs. Cain’s offering of grain displeased God; something in Cain’s heart offended the Lord.
The Lord warned Cain to do what was right. Genesis 4:8 One day Cain suggested to his brother, “Let’s go out into the fields.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him. [1] Cain was angry with God, he could choose to be bitter or better. He chose bitterness and this resulted in the murder of his brother.
Eve was Better
Scriptures doesn’t comment on Adam and Eve’s reaction to the murder of Abel. We do get some insight at the birth of the next son. Genesis 4:25 Adam had sexual relations with his wife again, and she gave birth to another son. She named him Seth, for she said, “God has granted me another son in place of Abel, whom Cain killed.”[2] God knew in detail the devastation caused by the tragedy of Abel’s death. Eve gives God credit for helping them grow their family.
Be Better not Bitter
We all must guard ourselves from becoming bitter when faced with a great loss. Our enemy, satan, will use bitterness in your life to destroy you and those around you. Be reassured that God is with you in pain and He understands the pain of the death of His Son, Jesus.
You are not alone in your suffering as Jesus hears the cries of your heart and cares about every detail of your life. 1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. [3]
Isn’t it comforting to know that God Almighty cares about you! It may seem like your life has been shaken to the core, but His love for you is nevershaken. You have a choice, you can be bitter or better. Isaiah 54:10 For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you. [4]
No matter how bad things may seem, God is in control. On this side of eternity, we don’t always understand why things happen. We can only trust the Lord that His word is true and He is always with you. Let me leave you with these words from Jesus: John 14:27“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”[5]
To hear more about Cain and Abel, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faith-makes-a-difference-abel
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.