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Read: Genesis 29:16-35
Listen: Genesis 29

“She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, ‘This time I will praise the LORD.’ So she named him Judah. Then she stopped having children.” Genesis 29:35

Jacob arrives in Haran and meets Laban’s family. He is smitten with Rachel at first sight, Laban’s youngest daughter. Jacob agrees to work seven years for Rachel’s hand in marriage. Laban, however, tricks Jacob and gives him Leah instead. Jacob eventually ignores Leah, who longs for her husband’s love and affection. The pattern of sin and brokenness that began in Isaac’s family has now been passed down to Jacob’s family. Nevertheless, after birthing several sons, Leah turns to God and praises him despite Jacob’s absence.

We all have cycles of sin and brokenness that we were exposed to in our home of origin or in other contexts while growing up. Unfortunately, when we have been harmed by others, we are at increased risk of passing on similar harm. If left unchecked and unaddressed, we will pass on patterns of sin and brokenness to our families. So, we must identify these patterns and turn from them before we repeat them in our relationships with others.

TODAY: One way we take part in breaking cycles is by bringing them into the light by talking with other believers. Talk with a trusted Christian friend about struggles in your life. Are you looking for a friend or a group of believers you can share life with? Join a small group! Being part of a small group is one of the best ways to share and process life with like-minded believers. Sign up for a group HERE.

Explore Jacob’s story further on the Beyond the Weekend Podcast—find it wherever you listen to podcasts or watch on YouTube.