A casual reading of isolated passages in Scripture may cause some to feel God is unfair. For example, it seems unjust that the sins of the fathers are visited on the children. However, everyday we see this biblical truth in our world. A baby will be born blind because his mother has a terrible social disease. Statistics show that the children of divorced parents often go through a divorce themselves. God's Word is true in saying: Our fathers sinned and are no more, But we bear their iniquities (Lamentations 5:7).
Yet there is another side. God's Word does say: For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me... (Exodus 20:5), but we cannot stop reading there. God goes on to say: but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments (Exodus 20:6). It takes three or four generations to wash out the evil influence of an ungodly parent. But the influence of godly fathers and mothers is even more extensive, and therein lies the power of healthy and holy families. We can make a difference in our children's lives. The beacon of our life will beam far into the future. It is up to us to make our legacy one of good, bringing blessings on our offspring, rather than one of evil, bringing heartbreak and destruction.
God is not unfair. In fact, He is far more than fair. He clearly tells us of the universal laws and warns us lest we break ourselves on them. May we read and heed.
“But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.”
Exodus 20:6 NLT
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