“Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.”

That simple statement from the writer of Hebrews (11:4) carries a weight as enduring as the centuries since it was written. Acts of faith reverberate into eternity.

God is pleased when we choose to obey Him. Why? He is a good Father who longs for each of His children to prosper in every true sense of the word. His way leads to life. When we walk in it, He is free to surround us and clear the path ahead. All of heaven backs us up.

Abel brought the best from his flock as a sacrifice. The cost of sin is death, and forgiveness comes only through the shedding of blood. Cain, however, decided to bring produce from the land. When his offering was not accepted, what was his response?

God asked him, “Why are you so angry? Why do you look so dejected? 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 4:6-7).

Like Cain, we too can move from disappointment to resentment, pride, division, and anger. Though our disappointment is ultimately with God, it is often expressed against our brothers and sisters. It can also become a form of self-anger—a deep sense of rejection, the belief that we are not good enough, or the opposite conviction that we are better than others.

God is never surprised by our tendency to go our own way. Yet there remains only one way He can forgive our sins, save us, and heal the damage sin has formed in our personality: only through the blood of the Sacrificial Lamb—Jesus.

His mercy is always present, inviting us to do what is right. If we allow offense to harden our hearts against a brother, a sister, or ultimately against God, that single choice can permanently alter the course of our life and the generations that follow.

We must recognize and acknowledge our helplessness to please God through self-effort. He has made the way simple: we receive His sacrificial love and forgiveness, His kindness, and His resurrection life. When we do, we too can speak to generations long after our death by our “example of faith.”