Read: Genesis 4:1-15
Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” (v. 9)
Recently, the news in Kosovo has reported the numerous murders of women by their husbands, and the need to raise awareness and prevent domestic violence. How can a man kill the person who is supposed to be his other half? When we look at the Bible, we understand that such behavior is not far from fallen human nature. Even the first murder was within a family.
Cain, the firstborn of Adam and Eve, killed his own brother. God had warned Cain (v. 7), but the feelings of comparison, jealousy, and rivalry had taken hold of his mind. He hated his brother’s success more than he loved himself. After he had killed his own younger brother, Cain’s response to God was “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (v. 9). In retrospect, this response simply explains the attitude of his heart.
We must be careful with the feelings we have towards others and with the feelings we have in our hearts for ourselves. Are we satisfied with what God has given us? Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares for his sheep. If we focus on him, on his love for us, and not on the achievements of others, then our hearts will seek to do his will.
As you pray, ask God to help you guard your heart from sin, and be the keeper of your family members—they are a blessing from him.
Arijeta Ajeti isan actress, director, playwright, public speaker, producer and teacher living in the country of Kosovo. She has performed in the National Theater of Kosovo and around the world. Arijeta is also an innovator of the ARK (Artists Reflect the Creator) initiative which brings Christian artists together to showcase their art and encourage each other in God.
Her devotionals were first published in Words of Hope’s Albanian partner publication, Fjalet E Spreses. Learn more about Words of Hope’s work in Albania and Kosovo.
