If you’ve lived long enough, you know certain kinds of sins tend to run in the family. Some struggle with poor working habits, dishonesty, or legalism. My family? We can be judgmental. We worry a lot. And discouragement comes way too easy. If these generational sinful patterns are left unchecked, we can keep sinning over and over—teaching our kids to do the same. Paul had trouble, too. In Romans 7:15, he says, “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” (ESV). Let your kids see your struggles. Ask them to lovingly hold you accountable and pray. Accountability, honesty, and the Holy Spirit are the only ways to end these patterns of sinful behavior.

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Suggested Reading: Romans 7:15