THOUGHTS & INTENTIONS

Genesis 4:5
But he did not accept Cain and his offering.
This made Cain very angry and dejected.



Gifts are the types of things that are typically reserved for special occasions like Christmas, birthdays, and weddings. The first instance in the Bible of gift-giving is found in Genesis 4:5. However, in this particular verse, God didn't find Cain's gift acceptable. God's reaction begs the question, "Is there such a thing as unacceptable gift?" After all, gifts are meant to be sincere, right? Well, I can recall a Christmas party where someone received a gift and responded with, "Wow! This was the gift that I gave to you last year!" Being caught re-gifting can be pretty embarrassing, but it certainly is a picture of giving an unacceptable gift. Remember that our God is a righteous God, and that when He looked at Cain’s offering, He very likely saw something that we aren't capable of seeing. 1 Samuel 16:7 teaches us that, "The Lord doesn't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions." Knowing this, make sure that when you give to the Lord that your offering, whether it be time, work, money or actions, is acceptable on the inside and out. After all, the Lord is looking at your thoughts and intentions.