Seeds of Sin: Exploring the Consequences in Genesis 3 & 4

Today I listened to the “Bible in a Year” podcast by Father Mike Schmitz (link below) covering Genesis Chapters 3 and 4. I can’t express enough how amazing this podcast is! I would consider myself a beginner when it comes to religion and Bible study, and this podcast is so well done, spoken, and explained. It works perfectly for me. The Bible can be hard to understand when simply read. You need to reflect on it and delve deeper into the meaning of each chapter to truly understand what is being said. This podcast does exactly that, and in a way that’s easy for a beginner like myself to reflect on.

In Genesis Chapter 3, Eve was tempted by the serpent to eat the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge. Why was the tree called the Tree of Knowledge? Because when one ate from it, they would see what God didn’t want them to see, and that was evil. God wants us to choose Him; He wants us to choose love above all else. When Eve chose to eat the fruit, she challenged God’s trustworthiness. When Adam also chose to eat, he likewise challenged God’s trustworthiness. God had given them everything they needed to live in peace and love, and in the moment of challenging God’s word, their eyes were opened to evil. They felt ashamed. God still loved them, even after sin.

In Genesis Chapter 4, Cain and Abel have a falling out. What can we take from this? It’s interesting that God accepted Abel’s offering but not Cain’s. Why? Because Abel offered the first fruits of his flock, not what was left over, as Cain did. What does this mean? We need to offer ourselves to God always, not just when we feel it’s necessary and convenient for us. Do we give God our first attention of the day, or the little energy we have left at the end of it? The more energy we give to God, the better we become as people.

We are the masters of the evil that is inside us. We can choose whether to let it surface and take precedence over God, or not. We choose. It’s our choice. What choice will you make?

Love Always,

Alisha

https://youtu.be/WBg_xK44V0E?si=RMaYohE82Vl1Gquf