While anger should never be a part of our daily lives, there are those who test our patience with jokes or irritating acts. If you get angry with someone, don't let that feeling take you away from God's presence. Instead, act calmly. At the same time, rebuke those who provoked you and show your indignation at such behavior. Why get frustrated over the lies they tell? Unfortunately, it is rare to find truthful people in this world.

When faced with an offense, instead of getting upset, try to control yourself. Scripture allows you to be angry but then declares that you should not sin (see also Psalm 4:4). The ideal is not to let anger enter your being, because the next time you get angry, you may resort to violence. It is not beneficial to respond to the offender but rather to appease your anger. These actions will do your heart good. Give this feeling free rein, and great tragedies begin. Be vigilant!

Two brothers grew up together. Cain was the older, and Abel was the younger. They felt they should offer something to God as proof of their love. The firstborn took something from the garden and offered it to the Lord (Genesis 4:3). Abel was a man of good nature and loved the Creator. He sought out a good-looking lamb, without blemish or defect, and offered the best parts on the altar of the Lord. His offering was well received.

Cain was not a good person, and the Word of God highlights this when describing Abel's offerings: Abel brought the firstborn of his flock along with their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering (Genesis 4.4). The youngest son thought the Lamb of God would take away his parents' sin and let them back into Paradise.

The fact that the Lord accepted Abel's offering aroused Cain's anger to the point that his countenance fell. The firstborn learned from the devil how to offer to God, but God rejected Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. (Genesis 4.5). With his heart filled with hatred, he felt defeated by God's acceptance of Abel's offering and devised an evil plan.

It was clear that the devil had already entered Cain, and he was no longer of God, as the Bible explains: as Cain, who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous (1 John 3.12). Cain was already showing signs that he was evil, for his deeds were evil. Those who live in anger need to free themselves as soon as possible, as the consequences can be terrible.

When He saw that hatred was visible on his face, the Lord tried to free Cain from the devil's trap, the murder of Abel, saying, "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.” (Genesis 4.7). Cain did not resist sin and killed Abel. Resist sin and free yourself from eternal damnation. Believe, watch, and live!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares