Hebrews 11: Flawed but FaithfulSample

Murder of the Heart Is Just as Bad as Murder of the Hands

Faithfulness doesn’t guarantee safety—it guarantees opposition. From the moment Abel worshiped wholeheartedly, Cain’s jealousy was sparked. The first death in Scripture wasn’t random—it was retaliation. When you live for God, expect pushback. Some people can’t stand the conviction your faith brings; yet even when the world tries to silence you, your faith still speaks.

In Genesis 4, Cain murders Abel—the first martyr in the first death recorded in the Bible. When God asks, “Where is Abel, your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9 ESV) His words expose a rebellious heart. God sees all. And He judges all.

“And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil, and his brother’s righteous.” (1 John 3:12 ESV). If you stand for truth, don’t be surprised when the world rages. Family may disown you. Friends may mock you. Sometimes pain comes from doing what’s right. Jesus calls Abel “righteous” and laments his blood (Matthew 23:35).

Still, God calls us to follow in Abel’s steps—worshiping and serving Him with integrity, regardless of the cost. Some hearts feel defeated by healthy, thriving faith. Others may feel threatened. Be unwavering.

Cain took his brother into a field—away from worship, away from accountability—and killed him. True evil often doesn’t show in daylight—it surfaces in secret. We can’t hide from God’s sight—not from the danger in us, and not from the danger around us.

Jesus taught that murder begins in the heart—and God sees both the intention and the action. Have you ever “killed” someone with your bitterness, gossip, or anger? What begins behind closed eyes seldom stays there.

Abel was faithful—and died for it. Many will say faith failed him. Yet Hebrews reminds us that Abel’s faith still speaks. Some faithful people suffer—lose loved ones, endure illness, face betrayal—but their reward isn’t here. It’s ahead.

You can’t hide your heart from God—and you can’t fake faith forever. Jealousy, anger, bitterness—they don’t stay silent. Cain’s path shows us what unchecked sin brings. Abel’s life, though cut short, reminds us that faith cost him everything—but was never wasted. God sees. God knows. Your faith leads to a reward—even if it’s not in this life.

What do your reactions reveal when others are favored and you're not?