By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. Hebrews 11:4

Genesis 4. Cain and Abel. Cain brought "the fruit of the land" as an offering and Abel brought the firstborn from the flock of his sheep. Both were probably taught about offerings and the need to bring first fruits or the firstborn. The passage is clear that Abel brought the firstborn while Cain gave some of his fruits and vegetables. It was Cain's poor attitude that made the difference.

Some have suggested that the issue was vegetables vs. meat that the Lord didn't like, but Leviticus 2 discusses grain as a bona fide offering to the Lord.

Abel was commended for his offering. He didn't wait until the lamb grew before offering it. It was an act of faith. Abel had no way of knowing that the ewe would continue to birth additional offspring.

How can we learn from this faith? Sometimes God requires us to do things that will cost us: time, money, talents. Fortunately our faith grows as we exercise that faith to accomplish the things that cost us the most.