Relationship Lessons From Leah and Rachel's Family LifeSample

So she gave him Bilhah her maid as a [secondary] wife, and Jacob went in to her. Bilhah conceived and gave birth to a son for Jacob. Then Rachel said, “God has judged and vindicated me, and has heard my plea and has given me a son [through my maid].” So she named him Dan (He judged). Bilhah, Rachel’s maid, conceived again and gave birth to a second son for Jacob. So Rachel said, “With mighty wrestlings [in prayer to God] I have struggled with my sister and have prevailed.” So she named him Naphtali (my wrestlings). When Leah saw that she had stopped bearing [children], she took Zilpah her maid and gave her to Jacob as a [secondary] wife. Zilpah, Leah’s maid, gave birth to a son for Jacob. Then Leah said, “How fortunate!” So she named him Gad (good fortune). Zilpah, Leah’s maid, gave birth to a second son for Jacob. Then Leah said, “I am happy! For women will call me happy.” So she named him Asher (happy). Genesis 30:4-13 (AMP)

Rivalry or comparison was so strong that it inspired the names Leah and Rachel gave their children. Their children were born into an emotionally unhealthy and tense home. Perhaps this environment also influenced their children's mindset. Some of their children were unforgiving, hateful, and committed murder. For example, Reuben slept with one of his father's secondary wives (Genesis 35:22), nine children planned to murder their brother out of envy (Genesis 37:19-21), and two unforgiving brothers deceived and murdered all the men in a city (Genesis 34:25).

Whenever we are struggling with personal or relationship issues, we must keep in mind that our victory or defeat has generational effects. Hence, we must press in for our victory. Perhaps you are struggling with an addiction, mental health challenges, or dysfunctional family relationship patterns, don't give up on your victory. Wholeheartedly seek the one who has guaranteed your victory (1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 2:14). In Christ, you can break the cycle of trauma.