The First Bitterness
Silence and stillness before God (2 minutes)
Scripture reading
Scripture reading:
Genesis 4:6–8
Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it."
Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.
Devotional
Bitterness has ancient roots. In the first human family, it crept in quickly — fed by comparison, rejection, and unacknowledged pain. Cain’s offering wasn’t accepted, but instead of turning toward God in humility, Cain turned inward. He let resentment take root.
God’s words to Cain are deeply compassionate: “Why are you angry?” God invites Cain to examine his emotions before they become destructive. But Cain chooses not to listen. His bitterness matures into violence.
Bitterness often begins as disappointment. If left unchecked, it twists our view of others and ourselves. It isolates us from God and makes us feel victimised, even when God is gently drawing us to Himself. But Jesus shows us another way. At the cross, He bore the weight of our sin — and even our bitterness. He invites us to bring our pain to Him rather than lash out.
Question to consider
Is there any area in your life where you’ve felt passed over or compared — and bitterness has started to grow?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your gentle questions that search my heart. Help me name my anger, my pain, and bring it to you before it becomes bitterness. Heal what is wounded and turn me back to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Conclude with silence (2 minutes)
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DAILY SEVENS
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Daily Sevens are devotionals to help you connect with God throughout the day. Each Office contains five elements: Silence and Stillness, Scripture, a Devotional Reading, a Question to Consider, and Prayer.
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