”You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”

Genesis 4:7 NLT

The story of Cain and Abel paints the consequences of an uncontrite heart.

Instead of understanding his sin, Cain blames others for his unaccepted offering. When he blames others and does not take responsibility, his sinful heart is able to influence him to sin more.

God gave Cain a clear warning. Cain had the opportunity to repent and give God the offering he deserved, but thought his own way was better.

We must be careful and cautious with the alignment of our hearts. Seeking to do things our own way leads to sin, but if we prayerfully seek Gods will, through prayful obedience to scripture, we can actually do what is right.

”So watch yourselves! “If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”“

Luke 17:3-4 NLT

As believers, we have a responsibility to follow God’s standards for ourselves and to help others who may be straying from the right path. It’s not always easy to extend grace to those who wrong us when we ourselves are struggling with our own shortcomings. But we can look to God as our perfect role model of gracefulness and strive to be the best reflection of that grace in our imperfect state.