If you’ve lived long at all, you know certain kinds of sins tend to run in families. Some struggle with poor work habits, dishonesty, or even legalism. My family? We can be pretty 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 again—just like breathing. 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 that you struggle. 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.

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

Suggested Reading: Romans 7:15