If we sin against someone else, that sin is not passive.  God always weighs the things we do that hurt others.  God hears the injustice and we live with the consequences of that injustice.  Our best assurance is right attitude and action as we approach life and others.
 
After Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden, they had two sons - Cain and Abel.  Abel kept flocks and Cain worked the soil.  Cain and Abel both brought offerings to place before the Lord.  The Lord looked favorably upon Abel and unfavorably upon Cain and his offerings.  I surmise that Abel offered his gift with a different heart than Cain.  It certainly didn’t mean that God didn’t love Cain.  The Lord spoke words of encouragement to Cain.  When Cain was angry that his offering was not accepted, his face was very downcast and, obviously, he was unhappy or angry.  I can take one look at my girls and tell if they’re happy or not.  I have learned because I love them to even see hurt that they try to hide behind their eyes.  Because I am their father, I can tell on the phone when something is bothering them.
 
The Lord asked Cain “Why are you angry?  Why is your face downcast?  If you do what is right, will it not be accepted?”  So much theology is expressed in those lines.  I have learned from observing life that if we’re righteous, even if we suffer, in time, we will transcend the difficulties.  God expects us to have a right attitude and actions.  If our attitudes and actions are always based on doing the Godly thing and serving Him, nothing can defeat us.  Even when we have disappointments or trials, if our attitudes and actions are righteous and Godly, the outcome will be favorable. 
 
The Lord spoke to Cain with one of the most poignant lines that is in the Bible:  “But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.”  I love that line.  It sums up a huge truth about life.  If we don’t do the right and Godly thing, then sin, like a tiger is crouching at the door of our lives.  Our attitude affects our lives.  Sin or evil desires us and we all must master it.  The truth is that all human beings have their places of weakness - our Achilles heel - places of vulnerability.  Each one of us must master our own attitudes and actions.
 
Of course, we know that Cain attacked and killed his brother, Abel.  When asked by the Lord, “Where is your brother.  Cain lied and replied, “Am I responsible for my brother?”  The Lord said, “What have you done?  Listen!  Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.”  I understand this text to say the sin that we do to others is not neutral or passive.  The injustices done to others cry out to the Lord.  We must not speak or act unjustly.
 
Interestingly, the Lord did not kill Cain nor did Adam and Eve take action against their son.  But the Lord did curse him.  This text is so important and it reminds us that I don’t have to take action against those who have sinned against us.  The hurt of our tears cries out to the Lord.  He will take action and bring His curses on those who do evil.  God encouraged Cain to do right and have a good attitude.  After reading this story and knowing its contents, it speaks to me of the great necessity for a right heart and a right attitude.
 
Prayer:  Dear Lord, help us not to squander our money or our life even on little things.   Amen.