Family Drama In Genesis & Blame

Warren E. Berkley

{Just Something To Consider from my Daily Bible Reading}

My daily Bible reading for several days has been located in Genesis. Can you name a family in Genesis that didn’t have conflict (modern term “drama”)? Even when there are specific attributes we admire in individuals like Abraham and Joseph, an objective reading of the narratives leads us to conclude these men were not entirely innocent, but contributors to the family troubles. All the way back to the first family, what is clear in this history is: sometimes everybody in a family shares blame. Read Genesis with focus on family drama and this conclusion is striking.

God was working His plan through flawed people. And when flawed (sinful) people are guilty of sin against family or outside the domestic setting, the conflict and resulting drama shows up.

Isn’t this true today? Discussions of family drama sometimes sound like there is a “certain” member of the family who has caused all the trouble. While there are exceptions, in many instances almost everybody shares blame, if not in an initial incident, in the reaction. If that is the reality, it means if all of us will be engaged in unselfish self-examination that is consistent, while family drama may not disappear, we can remain right with God through it. And be equipped to lead others to godly solutions.

“Those who trouble their family will inherit the wind. The fool will be servant to the wise.” — Proverbs 11:29

“Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against anyone, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other.” — Colossians 3:13

“As for parents, don’t provoke your children to anger, but raise them with discipline and instruction about the Lord.” — Ephesians 6:4