Genesis 4:6-7 The Danger of Holding Back

"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 is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.'" -- Genesis 4:6-7

The story of Cain and Abel is not just about the first recorded murder; it is a lesson about the consequences of unchecked emotions and selfishness.

A Warning Ignored

Cain’s anger and jealousy festered within him, leading to a tragic outcome. When God saw his frustration, He did not condemn him but instead asked, “Why are you angry?” This question was an opportunity for Cain to reflect, to recognize the danger, and to choose a different path.

But Cain did not listen. Instead, he allowed his dissatisfaction to take root, and that bitterness bore the fruit of sin. This is a warning for all of us: what we hold onto in our hearts, whether good or bad, eventually manifests in our actions.

The Root of the Problem: Holding Back from God

Cain’s offering to God was lacking - not in quantity, but in spirit. Abel gave the best of his flock, while Cain kept the best for himself and offered something lesser. It was not the offering itself that displeased God, but the heart behind it. Abel gave with gratitude and trust, while Cain gave reluctantly. This reveals a fundamental truth: when we withhold from God, we disconnect ourselves from His grace.

Everything we selfishly cling to eventually stagnates. The blessings we refuse to share do not remain blessings; instead, they become burdens that lead to sin. 

Consecration Multiplies, Hoarding Destroys

The principle of offering our best to God is not about sacrifice alone—it is about trust.. The Scripture tells us:

"The generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water." --Proverbs 11:25

A seed that is stored away in fear does not grow - it rots. But a seed that is sown in faith multiplies. When we hold onto bitterness, it turns into resentment. When we hold onto money selfishly, it controls us. When we hold onto pride, it blinds us to truth. Whatever is not surrendered to God does not bear good fruit; instead, it decays and brings destruction.

God does not ask us to give because He needs our offering! He asks us to give because we need to be free from attachment. Everything we have is a gift from Him, and when we offer it back in thanksgiving, He blesses and multiplies it.

Jesus Himself showed us this principle in the miracle of the loaves and fishes. A small offering, given in faith, fed thousands (Matthew 14:13-21). The boy who offered his food did not walk away with less—he walked away witnessing a miracle.

A Call to Self-Examination

What are you holding onto today? Is there anger, jealousy, or bitterness lurking in your heart? Are you withholding your best from God—whether in time, talent, or trust? Remember, what we refuse to surrender does not remain neutral—it either bless