Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement

We inherit more than our physical traits—height, hair color, and blood type. We also inherit personality traits, from our demeanor to attitude and sense of humor. My daughter, Sydney, is naturally organized—just like my mother. But while some traits are positive, others can be negative and passed down too, like addiction or depression.

Research shows that alcoholism is highly heritable. Studies indicate that children of alcoholics are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependency themselves. This highlights how deeply these issues can impact generations. But here’s the good news: we don’t have to be defined by what we inherit.

For years, we believed, “It’s in my genes—depression, addiction, low self-esteem.” But recent breakthroughs in epigenetics—the study of how our environment and decisions influence gene expression—show that while we inherit certain traits, we don’t have to activate them. With the right choices, we can deactivate negative genes and prevent them from being passed down.

This truth aligns with Scripture: just because something runs in your family doesn’t mean it has to run through you. You have the power to break the cycle; it can stop with you. If addiction, depression, or fear have plagued your family, you can stop the pattern. You are a child of God, and your true identity is not defined by your family’s past but by His grace.

Just as we inherit physical DNA, we also inherit spiritual DNA from our Heavenly Father—traits of joy, peace, strength, and victory. You don’t have to accept negative cycles like addiction, depression, or self-doubt. Declare, “I choose joy. I choose peace. I choose victory.” This is your day to turn off the negative traits and turn on the God-given ones.

Your choices today impact not only your life but also your descendants. In Deuteronomy 30:19, God says, “I set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live.” Each decision you make can break the cycle of negativity and bring blessings to future generations.

Consider Ernest Hemingway, a man whose family was plagued by depression and suicide. He took his own life in 1961, followed by the suicides of his two sisters and granddaughter. Imagine if Hemingway’s father in 1928 had chosen a different path than suicide. He could have changed the trajectory of his entire family’s future.

You face that same choice today. You can either continue the cycle of negativity, or you can declare, “Enough is enough. I choose life. I choose to break free from addiction, depression, and anger. I will not pass this negativity to my children.”

In the Bible, King Saul spared the life of Agag, the Amalekite king, when he was commanded to destroy everything. Centuries later, Agag’s descendant, Haman, became a key figure in a plot to eliminate Esther and her people. If Saul had obeyed, Esther’s life—and the lives of many others—would have been different. If you don’t confront the negative patterns in your life, they could affect your descendants.

God is calling you today to rise up, break the cycle, and embrace the generational blessings He has for you. You are not meant to live in addiction or anger. Yes, negative traits may run in your family, but through Christ, you are a new creation. You have God’s DNA—strength, power, and freedom. Just because others in your family have struggled doesn’t mean you have to.

In Ezekiel 18, God declares, “The fathers ate sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge. As long as I live, declares the sovereign Lord, you will no longer quote this proverb.” God was telling His people that the mistakes of their ancestors no longer bound them. God is saying the same to you today: “This is a new day. Your family’s past does not bind you.”

You don’t have to live in bondage. You’ve been redeemed and grafted into a new family lineage of blessings. Shake off the excuses. Acknowledge the struggles, but refuse to let them define you.

Encountering difficult issues doesn’t define your character. While family history can impact your challenges, neglecting them only keeps you in bondage. James 5:16 tells us, “Confess your faults to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” Healing often comes when we face our issues and seek help. Don’t try to handle it alone. Reach out to a trusted friend, counselor, or pastor for support.

Fathers, your children will follow your example more than your advice. If you disrespect your wife, your son or daughter may think that’s how relationships should be. Treat your spouse with love and respect—compliment her, encourage her, and serve her. This is the legacy you are passing down.

Your choices matter, so choose life and blessings for your family. Start a godly heritage, break the chains, and create a new cycle of blessings. I hope this speaks to you, and I pray you have a blessed day!