1 John 3:11–12

Memory Verse

This is the message which we heard from [the] beginning, in order that we should love one another, not as Cain, who was out from the malignantly evil one and slew as a sacrifice his brother. And on account of what did he slay his brother as a sacrifice? Because his works were malignantly evil, but his brothers were righteous (1 John 3:11–12)

We are not to be like Cain, who followed Satan’s ways. Through his works, Cain sought to persuade others to act independently from God. When corrected, rather than modify his actions to do good, Cain struck out against his own brother and slew him instead of making an offering out from faith to God. 

When members of an assembly turn on other members who have stumbled, they follow the same path as Cain. Instead of seeking restoration for a sinning Christian (Galatians 6:1), they are ostracized and treated as an unbeliever (2 Thessalonians 3:15). This does not differ from members of the Church who seek after their own pleasures, walking by the flesh and producing divisions, heresies, strife, and self-seeking, while stepping on other saints to get what they want (1 Corinthians 3:3). 

Love is seeking the best for another. Our commandment is to love our fellow Christians as Christ loved us. Christ gave His life for us, not just laying down His life for our sins, but also in His resurrection. He is now dedicated to the well-being of the Church as He intercedes on our behalf before God the Father (Hebrews 7:25). Let us follow His path and be willing to live for the sake of other saints (1 John 3:16).