Cain hated and killed his brother, not for any wrong that Abel had done, but "because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous." 1 John 3:12. So in all ages the wicked have hated those who were better than themselves. Abel's life of obedience and unswerving faith was to Cain a perpetual reproof. "Everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved." John 3:20. The brighter the heavenly light that is reflected from the character of God's faithful servants, the more clearly the sins of the ungodly are revealed, and the more determined will be their efforts to destroy those who disturb their peace. 77

Det var ikke, fordi Abel havde gjort Kain uret, at Kain hadede og dræbte sin broder, men "fordi hans egne gerninger var onde, men hans broders retfærdige." 1. Joh. 3,12. Således har de onde altid hadet dem, der var bedre end de selv. Abels lydighed og urokkelige tro var en stadig bebrejdelse mod Kain. "Thi enhver, som øver ondt, hader lyset og kommer ikke til lyset, for at hans gerninger ikke skal afsløres." Joh. 3, 20.