I learned in Genesis 4 that even in God’s mercy, the consequences of our sin can affect those around us. Adam and Eve had two sons. They lost both because of sin. One son, Cain, killed the other son, Abel. Because of Cain’s sin against his brother, Cain was banished by God. Adam and Eve lost one son to death, and they lost the other son due to God’s punishment for sin. It is foolish for us to walk through life thinking our disobedience does not affect those around us. Just like a pebble in the water, our sin has a rippling effect that can span generations.
There is no greater example of this than the fall of man. When Adam and Eve sinned, the curse of death and separation from God was brought down on every man and woman yet to be born. We were designed to walk in unbroken fellowship with God, but the sin of two people had a rippling affect that will last to the end of time. (See Genesis 3:14-24)