Family Systems 101: Breaking the Cycle
April 12, 2026
Families share more than DNA; they also share traditions, habits, and patterns—some good, some not. The way we think about sex, money, marriage, work, and many other things has been shaped by our families of origin. Patterns of abuse, addiction, and personal bias can often be traced through our family tree. Join us for Part One of Home Work, where we will see God’s warning to families about the destructive patterns of sin and their effect on future generations.
Passage
Deuteronomy 5:6-10
Principle
If you ##ignore## the destructive patterns and cycles of your family of origin, they will become a ##curse## for ##you## and ##future## ##generations##.
Practice
Attend a small group and complete the ##genogram## worksheet.
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple’s or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
- What does the saying “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” mean? Do you agree? Why or why not?
- What traits or characteristics (good and bad) do you see in yourself that you also recognize were true of your mom, dad, and maybe even your grandparents?
HEAR
Watch Pete Scazzero’s Genogram Video (https://vimeo.com/373922579)
- The blessings and sins of our families have an impact lasting for at least ___________ or ____________ generations.
- Becoming a Christian is to be born into a new __________________.
- Discipleship is the process of putting off the ______________ patterns of our ___________ of origin and ____________________.
Jesus may be _____________, but Grandpa _______________________________.
HUDDLE
How does the idea of drawing your genogram make you feel? What hopes or fears do you have about doing this exercise? Talk about it, invite accountability, and pray together.
Daily Reading
Follow the day-by-day events that ended with Jesus’ crucifixion. Take time each day to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and His love for you.
- Day 1: Deuteronomy 5
- Day 2: Genesis 12
- Day 3: Genesis 20
- Day 4: Genesis 26
- Day 5: Genesis 27
- Day 6: Genesis 37
- Day 7: Genesis 50
Passage to Memorize: Galatians 4:6-7
Think Deeper
- What positive and negative patterns have you seen in your family of origin?
- How have the decisions of your parents or grandparents affected your life?
- Have you ever seen destructive family patterns broken? How did that happen, and what was the result?
Suggested Resources
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, by Peter Scazzero
The Meaning of Marriage, by Tim Keller
Habits of the Household, by Justin Whitmel Earley
The Tech-Wise Family, by Andy Crouch
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.