DAILY DEVOTIONALS FROM CONNECTION CLASS LESSON

I hope this is right. Wayne, let me know if it is ot the correct week.

THE WORD FOR THE WEEK

Cain ~ 1 John 3:12

Monday – Read Genesis 4:6-12: Crouching at Your Door
These verses tell us of Cain’s anger when Abel’s sacrifice was accepted and his was not. Cain continued to harbor resentment and eventually killed his brother.
· In verse 6, what did God tell Cain to do? What does this tell us about the source of our anger?
· What did God tell Cain about the results of not doing what is right?
· How do you handle anger? Do you continue to cultivate and nurture your anger? Do you rehearse the story of your anger over and over?

Tuesday – Read Genesis 4:6-12: My Brother’s Keeper
Cain is consumed by a murderous anger that focused on his brother.
· After Cain killed Abel, why do you think that God approached him with a question? Why did God not directly accuse Cain?
· What was Cain’s attitude when he answered God’s question?
· How would God like for you to answer the question “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
· Why are family relationships more intense than other relationships?

Wednesday – Read Matthew 5:21-24: Conflict Resolution
When in an adversarial situation, the righteous person should immediately make the first step toward resolving the conflict.
· How are anger and murder connected?
· When someone becomes aware of a relationship problem, how quickly should he/she act?
· What are our modern-day equivalents of “Raca” and “you fool?”
· With whom do you have an adversarial relationship? What do you need to do about it?

Thursday – Read 1 John 3:11-14a: Love One Another
From the very beginning John has encouraged us to “love one another.”
· Why do you think that John chose the illustration of Cain and Abel when he was discussing loving your brother?
· According to John, why did Cain murder his brother? From our study earlier this week, how would you say that Cain came to “belong to the evil one?”
· How can a person know that he or she has passed from death unto life?
· About what should believers not be surprised? Why did John feel it important to include this?

Friday – Read 1 John 3:11-14a: Love in Action
What practical applications can we glean from these verses?
· What does it mean to love one’s brother? How can we show it?
· Who is my brother?
o My own “flesh and blood.”
o Other believers.
o Those people I feel a kinship with.
o Anyone.
o Other _____________________
· When do you struggle with loving someone else?
· Is it easier to love with words or in actions?
· How will you use your time and resources to show your love to someone this week?