As we'll read in Genesis 4:2b-12, anger is not only a "deadly" sin, it can have consequences that are literally deadly.  Most of us have read or heard the account of Cain and Abel.  Both offered a sacrifice to God.  God accepted Abel's but not Cain's, so Cain grew angry.  He let the anger continue to mount in his heart to the point that he "exploded" with a pre-meditated "solution"--He murdered Abel.

Most of us won't find ourselves reacting in such an extreme manner to the sin of anger in our lives, but anger definitely provokes strong feelings, that "explode" in reactions we regret.  While anger can be justified--more on that tomorrow--more often than not our outbursts of anger leave us with broken relationships.  Those fractures occur in the relationships of the people to whom our anger is addressed, AND in our relationship with God.  Through this week, I'll talk about how God has been overcoming this sin in my life, because it is the sin among the "deadlies" with which I am the most, personally acquainted.

Take some time to read Genesis 4:2b-12 then respond to these questions:  Was Cain's anger justified?  What was the consequence of his anger?  How did God respond to Cain's failure to control his anger?  If you worship with us today at New Life (8:45 or 10:15) we'll address these questions.  If you don't, then you have an opportunity to be with us in spirit, even though not in body!

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your mercy toward Cain¸ even when he sinned in such a grievous manner.  Forgive us for the sins of our life, and restore us to relationship with You.  This we pray in the strong name of Jesus, our risen Savior and Lord.  Amen.