Creating a legacy of blessing 

In February our culture turns its attention to love and family. Valentine’s Day reminds us of the beauty of marriage, and Family Day – celebrated in many provinces – encourages us to cherish those closest to us. Yet for many, this month is not one of celebration but a painful reminder of broken relationships, past wounds, and generational cycles of dysfunction.

God’s original design for family has always been rooted in love, blessing, and a foundation of faith. In Genesis 12:2-3, God declares to Abraham, “I will bless you… and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” This promise wasn’t just about Abraham, it was about his descendants and the generations that would follow. God’s heart has always been to establish families that pass down a heritage of faith and righteousness. But what happens when our family history is marked by pain, sin, or brokenness?

Breaking free from generational cycles: Many families struggle under the weight of generational cycles – patterns of addiction, abuse, divorce, fatherlessness, or spiritual apathy. These cycles can feel impossible to escape, but the good news is that Jesus came to set us free. Galatians 3:13 declares, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.”  Through Christ, we are no longer bound by the sins of our fathers or the wounds of our past.

To break generational cycles, we must:

1. Recognize the pattern – Acknowledge the negative cycles in your family. Whether it’s a history of broken marriages, financial struggles, or spiritual compromise, we must be willing to face these issues honestly.

2. Renounce and repent – As followers of Christ, we have the authority to renounce the hold that generational sin has had over our lives and turn toward God’s truth. Repentance means more than regret – it means a complete change in direction.

3. Replace lies with God’s truth – Many family cycles are rooted in false beliefs: ‘I’ll never be a good husband.’  ‘Our family has always struggled.’  ‘I’ll never be free from this addiction.’   But Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free ” (John 8:32).  Then replace those lies with God’s promises.

4. Release forgiveness – Unforgiveness keeps us chained to the past. Whether it’s forgiving a parent, spouse, or even yourself, choosing forgiveness is key to walking in freedom.

5. Rebuild on God’s foundation – Building a new legacy requires a new foundation. Joshua declared, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). This commitment starts with personal devotion and extends to how we raise our children and grandchildren.

As pastors and leaders, we have discovered that people often need someone to walk with them on the journey.  Family Foundations offers a variety of seminars and workshops designed to bring healing to the heart. Visit Family Foundations Canada – https://www.familyfoundations.ca/ffi-canada-events to find a seminar or online event in your region.

Creating a Legacy of Blessing: A legacy is not just about what we leave behind – it’s about what we build today. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs us: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

How do we create a lasting legacy of blessing?

1. Speak blessing over your family – Words have power. Bless your children and grandchildren by speaking life, identity, and destiny over them. The biblical blessing includes meaningful touch, a spoken word, high value, a special future, and an active commitment.

2. Model a Godly marriage – The best gift we can give our children is to stay married.  Marriage is a reflection of Christ’s love for His bride, the Church. A strong, loving marriage sets the tone for future generations.

3. Prioritize prayer and worship at home – Family discipleship starts in the home. Pray together, read Scripture, and make worship a regular part of your household.

4. Teach financial stewardship and generosity – Many generational struggles are tied to finances. Teach biblical principles of stewardship, tithing, and generosity.

5. Encourage a servant’s heart – Legacy isn’t just about personal success but about impacting the world for Christ. Raise children who know that they are called to serve, lead, and bless others.

Hope for every family: God places the lonely in families (Psalm 68:6), and even if your family isn’t perfect, He has given you a church family to love, support, and walk alongside you. You are never alone – God’s design is for you to belong, to be surrounded by people who care, and to be part of His greater family.

No matter where you come from, no matter what kind of family history you have, God’s grace is greater. You are not bound by the past. Through Christ, you have the power to break generational cycles and create a new legacy of faith, love and blessing. This February, whether you are celebrating love and family or navigating the pain of brokenness, know this: God is a Redeemer. He makes all things new, and He delights in rewriting family stories for His glory.

If you are looking for more resources to help you in your marriage or in raising your family we encourage you to go to the https://familydreaminstitute.ca and check out the free materials designed to equip you to leave a lasting legacy.