Genesis 4:5 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) But for Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard. So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed.

Getting into the emotional need for respect finds its roots early in the bible. I chose the AMPC version for the clarity of understanding for the underlying meaning of respect in the Hebrew word sha’ah. It means to look upon, show interest, examine, inspect. Regard is a clear meaning left out of many translations.

What is overlooked by Cain in his emotional state is that God is looking upon the sacrifice, regarding it, not his brother Abel. There is a personal attachment to effort that is not meant to exist. God is looking at the sacrifice without judgment of Abel or Cain. It is all about the sacrifice.

Respect is closely tied to the emotional need for value or being valued. Here it exposes the emotional aspects of being ignored. Being disrespected cuts deeper than being undervalued. It says you are not worthy of consideration, you are ignored. It cuts into the bonds in relationship.

Romans 2:11 English Standard Version (ESV) For God shows no partiality.

God only looks at the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ. If you are in Christ it is because of that sacrifice, not because of what you have said or done. We as emotional beings give value to those things we do and demand respect we do not deserve. We give ourselves credit for who we have become when the truth is we only became sons and daughters of God because of the sacrifice we accepted.

Ephesians 2:8 English Standard Version (ESV) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Why should the recipient of a gift take credit for the gift?

Romans 8:18 English Standard Version (ESV) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Once again we are speaking to emotional needs. For many life has to have meaning. I know what that means to me but what meaning are you looking for from this life? It has been suggested that we can find meaning in starting a family, supporting a cause, finding a philosophy/belief system or a political ideology that resonates with you. This might suggest that meaning for the individual is driven by an emptiness of the soul that cries out to be filled.

The emptiness in my soul has been filled by the love of Christ. It may not be that way for all people and it is even possible that your relationship with our Lord is not as needy as mine. I have found no meaning in my life quite like the love of God.

Philippians 1:6, 11 English Standard Version (ESV) ⁶ And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. ¹¹ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Meaning might not be a primary emotional need. Consider that my need for meaning is based on faith and the emotional needs of any individual might not be faith based. Do not feel judged if your emotional need for meaning in life is not faith based.

This is a faith based devotional and all my answers will be connected to His Word and faith. We can find meaning in life apart from God. Recognizing what they are is only a guide and not a conclusion.