Words like hexes or curses sound very archaic in an age replete with smartphones and smart TVs. A technology-centric world seemingly operates as an antithesis to other non-scientific frames of thought. That includes hexes, curses and also faith. However, the Bible does include evidence of curses and proof that generational curses are in effect today. Although curses in the Bible are different from the general understanding of curses today.
“The Lord passed by him and proclaimed:
The Lord—The Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and great in faithful love and truth, keeping faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion and sin. But he will not let the guilty go unpunished, bearing the consequences of the iniquity of the fathers on the children and grandchildren until the third and fourth generation..” (Exodus 34:6-7)
The biblical example of a curse is not identical to the script for horror movies like Hereditary, where one person casts a curse on another, on purpose or by accident. . However, this verse shows that someone’s actions affected his offspring. The curse was delivered by God, not by the person.
This begs the question, what is a generational curse? We can conclude that the curse was a punishment for sin. Therefore, a generational curse is a punishment for sin that continues through the generations. However, God’s treatment of sin in the Old Testament is not identical to His treatment of sin in the New Testament. Before the arrival of Jesus, God treated people as a community and not as individuals. With the love and forgiveness that Jesus brought, the punishment (if given) occurred on a more individual basis (John 9:1-3).
Does this mean that generational curses no longer exist? In his video “5 Reasons People Don’t Change,” Dr. AR Bernard explains from a biblical perspective why people have a hard time changing themselves and becoming more like Jesus. While offering his reasons, which include laziness, fear, and pride, Bernard also posits the idea that sin is passed from person to person.
He points out that Adam and Eve committed “original sin” when they ate the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. From their first sin they created “conditions” by which all mankind would have to live for all generations. The conditions included: mankind is now forced to work, women face labor pains from pregnancy, and all mankind will return to dust (Genesis 3:14-19).
Despite the unfortunate separation from God that leads to a permanent life outside the garden, there is redemption that God offers through Jesus. Therefore, while there is a generational curse, there is also a generational blessing.
“Therefore, as through one transgression there is condemnation for all, so also through one righteousness there is justification for life for all..” (Romans 5:18)
Understanding generational curses from this biblical perspective will help us understand how our sin creates conditions for the people in our lives, and how their sin creates conditions for us.
How can I tell if something is a generational curse?
There is now common knowledge that has a scientific origin, that people who grew up in certain conditions are likely to create these conditions in their own homes later. For example, children in abusive homes are more likely to become abusive. Those with parents who abused alcohol are more likely to abuse alcohol. The same frame of thought applies to sexual immorality, greed, or any other sin.
Another thought to consider is whether the word curse is the appropriate term. Whether it is denoted as an environmental or genetic factor, our parents and ancestors influence our lives. In turn, we also affect others. Using the word curse is simply a matter of semantics, but for the purposes of this article, we will refer to the concept as a curse.
The best way to identify a generational curse is to find the source. Parents who behave in a certain way may have witnessed such behaviors in their own parents. Without awareness, the cycle is likely to continue. Another important detail when identifying a generational curse is discerning if several people are struggling with the same problem. If people from different generations within a family behave in the same way, then there may be a generational curse.
The final detail to consider is whether children are taught the behavior indirectly or directly. Science reveals that children can have genetic problems due to problems faced by their parents. That is unavoidable, but if certain lessons are taught directly to children, this can be changed. Family sins and conditions affect generations due to long-term effects. With knowledge of the issues affecting a particular family, steps can be taken to mitigate the effects of sin and replace bad behavior with righteous behavior.
How are generational curses broken?
Children naturally inherit qualities from their parents, whether spiritual, emotional, or physical. This is natural human biology by God’s design. While sin is also transmitted, the effects do not have to be permanent. Christ makes change possible.
Prayer
“Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has a very powerful effect.” (James 5:16)
God seeks to hear us and heal us from all the problems we encounter. in the life. Although He allows suffering for our rebuke, God is always willing and present to help us overcome our afflictions, including our generational problems. The Bible shows that prayer works and is vital to the Christian lifestyle.
counseling
Words, when used wisely, have the ability to bring healing (James 5:16). Therapy has served as a benefit to people throughout history and throughout the group. Today, people use counseling as an individual, as a couple, even as a family.
single change
“No temptation has come over you that is not common to men. Faithful is God, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your capacity, but with the temptation he will also give you the way of escape, so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
The Bible offers direction for self-improvement. When we change to reflect Christ, we can begin to model Christlike behavior for strangers, but also for those closest to us, namely our families. Generational curses are not erased by continuing with the same problems, but by doing something different that creates positive change.
How to find freedom for your family from generational sin
“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good will of God, pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
Once you begin to recognize the extent of sin in your life or in the lives of multiple loved ones, change becomes possible. However, change begins at the individual level before it affects others. This poem illustrates such an idea.
God searches our hearts and seeks to renew our minds. By making ourselves better people, we help God expand his influence not only over our lives, but over everyone around us. What started as a generational sin can become a generational blessing (Proverbs 27:17). And that change begins with us, the individual