“My grandfather was unfaithful, my father was unfaithful… now I have been unfaithful… it has to stop with me. I can’t pass this on to my son.” Alcohol, anger, affairs and abuse… there is a whole alphabet of generational sins that can be passed down from father to child, and those are just a few from the letter “A”. 

Most men grow up vowing to never repeat the mistakes of their fathers. Yet, somehow, they find themselves falling into the same patterns—whether it’s anger, addiction, neglect, sexual unfaithfulness or abuse. In some circles, this has been labeled “generational sin.” The idea of generational sin is that certain destructive behaviors can get passed down from one generation to the next, almost like a curse.

Not everyone agrees on the subject of generational sin or curses, but there are Biblical texts that suggest the idea has merit. 

"I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.” Exodus 20:5-6

"He punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” Exodus 34:7

 From a sociological perspective, we see evidence of this concept also.

• Generational Abuse: Studies from the Journal of Interpersonal Violence indicate that children who grow up in homes with physical or emotional abuse are 50% more likely to become abusers themselves if no intervention is made.
• Addiction: Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows that children of addicts are 8 times more likely to develop an addiction themselves compared to children from non-addictive homes.
• Father Absence: Data from the Fatherhood Institute shows that children raised without a father are twice as likely to repeat cycles of absenteeism in their own families.

RC Sproul writes, “The notion of generational consequences stems from the reality that sin, especially unrepented and unchecked, creates a culture within a family that can perpetuate destructive behaviors for generations.” Whether this destructive perpetuation of sin is a curse, or simply the repetition of cultural experiences, one thing is true… there is hope in Jesus Christ.

Neil Anderson explains in his book Victory Over The Darkness, "A generational curse isn’t something you’re automatically destined to live out. It’s a stronghold—an ingrained pattern of thinking and behaving. The moment you take those thoughts captive to Christ and replace them with the truth of God's Word, that curse is broken. No longer are you bound by what happened in the past. In Christ, you are free."

There is freedom in Christ, and there is a generational blessing for those who bring their lives to God through the Gospel. Imagine your life, your heritage, and your legacy changing from one of a generational curse, to one of a generational blessing. 

"But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.” Psalm 103:17-18

Want to change the course of your family history? That is what being an IMPACT Player is all about! Your life could be a pivotal and powerful turning point for your family legacy. Join an IMPACT Players Cohort and begin the journey of turning the tide in your family tree.

Father /// Wound is a new IMPACT Cohort study for men who want to become healthy men thriving in their relationships. When a man is willing to acknowledge the hurt, experience the healing, and share the hope that comes from the Father /// Wound study, he will become a better husband, father, and leader. Step forward with courage here.