“When God Looks at the Offering”

Scripture Focus:

Genesis 4:3–7; Hebrews 11:4 Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020)

3 In the course of time Cain presented some of the land’s produce as an offering to the LORD. 4 And Abel also presented an offering—some of the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. The LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but he did not have regard for Cain and his offering. Cain was furious, and he looked despondent.

6 Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you furious? And why do you look despondent? 7 If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”

4 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts, and even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith.

Father God, we come before You with open hearts. Teach us to worship You in spirit and in truth. Help us not to give out of habit or obligation, but out of love, faith, and trust. Search us, shape us, and receive what we bring when it honors You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Imagine being invited to a dear friend’s milestone celebration—a wedding anniversary, retirement, or birthday. You stop by the store on the way, grab whatever is closest to the register, and don’t bother with a card. Technically, you brought a gift. But your friend immediately senses the difference between presence and priority.

God feels that difference too.

He isn’t impressed by the act of giving alone. He’s moved by the intent, the trust, and the honor behind it. Abel’s offering said, “God, You come first.” Cain’s offering said, “Here’s something.”

God is not after leftovers. He’s after our hearts.

Cain and Abel both approached God with an offering. Both acknowledged God. Both gave something. Yet only one offering was accepted.

The difference wasn’t the category of the gift—it was the condition of the heart. Abel brought the first and best, an offering rooted in faith. Cain brought an offering too, but Scripture quietly exposes the issue: it was merely something, not his best.

God’s response to Cain is deeply pastoral. He doesn’t shame him. He doesn’t cast him away. Instead, God invites Cain to self-examination: “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?”

This moment was not rejection—it was redirection.

But Cain resisted correction. And what began as a heart issue turned into anger, then resentment, and ultimately tragedy.

God doesn’t reject people lightly—but He does confront hearts lovingly.

So, ask yourself this question, what does my giving—of time, obedience, worship, or resources—say about how I truly see God?

Gospel Song for Reflection

“Give Me You” – Shirley Caesar (A powerful reminder that God desires us more than our actions or activities.)

"Give me You

Everything else can wait

Just, give me You

I hope I'm not too late

Lord, give me You

Lord, give me You

Lord, give me You

Lord, give me You (say give me You)

Give me You

Everything else can wait

Give me You

I hope I'm not too late

Lord, give me You

Lord, give me You

Lord, give me You

Lord, give me You (say it's me)

It's me, O Lord, I'm on my knees

Crying out to You

It's me, O Lord, I'm on my knees

So, give me You, give me You (say it's me)

It's me, O Lord, I'm on my knees

Crying out to You

It's me, O Lord, I'm on my knees

So, give me You, give me You (say give me You)"

Seed Truth 🌱

God does not measure our offerings by size or substance—He weighs them by faith, obedience, and surrender.

Lord, forgive us for the times we’ve given You what was convenient instead of what was costly. Teach us to trust You enough to give our first, our best, and our whole heart. When You correct us, help us respond with humility and surrender. We want our lives to be an offering You receive with joy. Amen.