Punishment for Generations
When I was a child, my father did not come to church with us very often. I heard the word backslider (very country word I know) mentioned a lot in reference to him. So when God states here that the will bless or punish for generations the actions of one, it was a very disheartening thought.
God is not punishing me for the crimes my father did or did not commit. The best way to think of this is as an inheritance. Think of companies that have been run by families for years. Before UPS went public, they were a privately owned company that was started in Washington. Each generation growing it until it became what it is today. This is the same idea. We are not held accountable for our parents actions, but we do reap the repercussions of those actions. My grandfather was a man who loved God, and he made sure we all knew it. My grandmother told me every chance she could that God loved me. They ensured that I would know God, and now it is my responsibility to ensure that my children know him.
A little while back I watched a show about the children of some of the most famous serial killers. They are living with the stigma attached to their fathers crimes even though they are guilty of nothing, It is no doubt that society punishes them as well.
The blessing or curses we incur, can have consequences that affect our children and our grandchildren.
Created 2 months ago
