The topic “Act with Integrity” has me thinking about my responsibility to act and care for those who can’t care for themselves. As I ponder that challenge, my mind drifts back to Old Testament stories learned so long ago. I love those stories and the rich lessons they hold. Today, let’s look in on God’s conversation with Cain in Genesis 4:13-16.
13 Cain said to the LORD, "My punishment is more than I can bear. 14 Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me." 15 But the LORD said to him, "Not so; if anyone kills Cain, he will suffer vengeance seven times over." Then the LORD put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him. 16 So Cain went out from the LORD's presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden. NIV
Note that after God confronted Cain, He also put His mark on Cain to protect him. At this point in Cain’s life, there was nothing he could do to protect himself. He was paying the consequence of his actions, and the cost was potentially life ending. But God, in his compassion and mercy spared him. I need to see those who are suffering from their choices and throw them a life line. Is there someone in your family or circle of friends who needs your intervention?
Jim...
Jim...
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