God promised Abram that those who blessed him would be blessed, and those who treated him hatefully would be cursed (Genesis 12:3). But we must wonder whether Abram considered that his actions had similar consequences as well. His obedience and his disobedience to God wouldn’t just affect him, but others around him, too. Our actions always affect others.

When Hagar became pregnant, Sarai became bitterly jealous, eventually leading to banishment for Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 21:8–21). But Abram and Sarah’s act of doubt and disobedience did not end there. The descendants of lshmael would plague the Israelites long after that time (Genesis 16:12).

Abram and Sarah failed to consider that their actions were not performed in a bubble. They affected many others. The same is true of us. We need to take care to consider whom we might bless by our obedience and whom we might hurt by our disobedience.

• How might the decisions you are facing right now affect those around you?