Morning Meditation

Good Morning and Happy Wednesday!

Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.1 John 2:9 (NIV)
The Heart of Cain

Scripture Reading: Genesis 4:1-8 (NIV)
Cain killed his brother Abel. That is basic Judeo-Christian biblical history. And it is very easy to gloss over this story of unbridled anger, envy and jealousy. But there is a crucial point that I would like to discuss. I find it interesting that the murder took place sometime after Cain had an interaction with God. Consider that Cain was in the presence of God and was clearly warned by God to be watchful of the dark issues of his heart. Yet he still conspired to kill his brother.The story is short but it does speak at length to a very interesting dichotomy in the human heart.
Is it possible to have a knowledge of God, who is love, yet have hate in our hearts for our brothers and sisters? Is it possible to have an interaction with God, who is gentle and righteous, and still commit an atrocity? I read the magazine and newspaper articles about killings and atrocities that take place among members of every religious sect, and I am saddened by the answers to my questions.
Sin forever crouches at the door of our heart. It desires to have us. Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we ever rule over it.
Be encouraged and be ever watchful of the issues within your heart.