Initial:

• Focus on Family Business: It seems the goal of the story is to convince the listener (think 4500 years ago) to choose shepherding, the main occupation of the Israelites, over farming.  Abel, the shepherd, is looked favorably upon by God for his offering while Cain, the farmer, is not.
• Jealousy is Bad: The story also teaches how jealousy, actually acting upon jealous thoughts, can ruin your life.  Cain is jealous of Abel being in favor with God, so he murders Abel and as a result is banished to wander the hills, a punishment Cain believes to be too hard.  Note, this “wandering” turns him into a shepherd.
• No Capital Punishment: This story contradicts the eye-for-an-eye generalization of the Old Testament.  Cain is not put to death for murdering his brother.  On top of that, he is actually protected by God from harm by others.

1. Only Give Food to Beggars: I have been “taken” by so many beggars in my life.  The worst was falling for the broken-down car scam as I watched the person hop in a car and drive away with my “donation to their cause”.  I am a beggar’s dream, walking around wearing a cross necklace, the universal sign for “easy money”.  I have actually watched them change directions to approach this Christian target – me.

Many people give food instead of money, keeping some in their car or a granola bar in their pocket.  I have done the same, when I remember.  I once walked a gentleman to Wendy’s and bought him lunch.  CAUTION: I do NOT recommend this for everyone.  You still need to be concerned for your own safety.

It is really hard — believe me — but I have learned to say, “Sorry, but I just can’t,” and then walk away.

2. Give Money to Charities: I feel better about saying “no” to the beggars since I donate money to homeless shelters and volunteer at the local food bank.  I am comforted with the feeling that this money goes for food and shelter for the poor.

3. Help those REALLY in Need:  Believe it or not, most people in need are too proud to ask and suffer in quiet desperation.  These are the people you need to help.  The biggest challenge is determining who they are.

Once, there was a very thin woman ahead of me at the grocery checkout.  She watched her total closely and held back four necessity food items that she obviously could not afford.  I hesitated then told the cashier to put them on my order.  By the time she got them bagged, the thin woman had left.  I ran after her all the way to the parking lot.  She looked confused when I said, “Excuse me, you forgot these,” but then smiled broadly and thanked me.  When I returned to the checkout, the cashier said that really made her day and no one behind me in line said a word about the delay.

Search online for “Random Acts of Kindness” books and sites to find hundreds of ways to help other people.  Try it.  It will make you feel good inside!