What Is Good and What Is Right

If you do well, will your face not be cheerful? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.

Genesis 4:7 (NASB)

When we examine the first part of God's words to Cain, "If you do good," some interpret it to mean "If you do a good deed." This interpretation would lead us to understand that if we do good to others, our sins will be forgiven. This would encourage us to sin without restraint and to do good to others in order to earn God's forgiveness. This would give us the freedom to sin without thinking about the consequences.

This interpretation is therefore confusing. By saying to Cain, "If he does good," God is affirming that if he does what is right and just, this means that if he acts according to His will by offering his offering again, he will not have to become angry or wish harm to his brother. This is a lesson for us today. Many of us believe that the good we do will draw God's attention to us. And if we sin, He will have a reason to forgive us.

It is not the good you do, whatever it may be, that pleases God; rather, it is what is in accordance with His will, or better, with His word. There is therefore a great difference between what is good and what is right. You can decide to do good without it pleasing God. Do not seek to interpret the meaning of the verse; rather, see what God asks you to do. Do what is just and right, and sin will not cause you to lose your relationship with God.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.