A Self-Chosen Curse

Scripture – Genesis 4:9-12: Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Here’s another snapshot of God’s grace. He gives Cain an opportunity to confess what he’s done. Who knows what direction the story would have taken had he done that. However, keeping with the family tradition, Cain keeps himself covered up. And so, as a consequence of his own choice, Cain begins living under a curse.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Many times I’m aware of sin in my life, and I just sort of push it to the back of my mind. It’s like, if I ignore it, it will go away. But the fact is, it doesn’t go away. Unconfessed sin becomes a curse that weighs me down. I might not notice it for a while. But it will begin affecting me. At the same time, God’s grace is always there – ready to embrace me. I will confess my sin to God and, if needed, to other people. I will receive the forgiveness and freedom Christ offers.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) I am sorry, Lord, for the things I try to keep to myself. I can hide nothing from you. Please hear my prayers, forgive my sin and lead me into new life today. Grant me freedom from the self-chosen curse of guilt and shame. Thank you for doing that.