Before we can truly appreciate the Good News and freedom we have in Christ, we must consider the Bad News that may be holding us back from experiencing God’s best for us.
A generational curse is a negative trait or behavior believed to be passed down from one generation to the next, resulting from willful disobedience against God. For example, if within your family tree you see patterns of divorce, addiction, poverty, unforgiveness, chronic illness or other ungodly patterns, you may be under a generational curse. The Bible says that these curses or consequences are connected to choices we make.
Everyone sins. If we examine our own family heritage, we may discover that we have inherited some unhealthy behaviors from previous generations. This is because our families greatly influence the way we think and the choices we make, including ungodly patterns of behavior. The belief that these sinful behaviors or generational curses can be passed down from generation to generation stems from several passages found in the Old Testament like this one-
“You shall not bow down to them and worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me” Exodus 20:5
In light of this passage, it’s important to remember that God is GOOD, and he LOVES children. It is rather the consequences that result from OUR sinful behaviors that cause our children to suffer. For example, children born to parents with addiction issues may suffer neglect and abuse as a direct consequence of their parents' sinful behavior. Furthermore, children who grow up in a family without faith are likely to follow in their parents footsteps, continuing in the same ungodly behaviors.
To assume that our actions outside of God’s will don’t carry any consequences is naive. Likewise, to believe that we are all destined to repeat the sins of our parents is a lie. We do have a choice in the matter. Having the power to be set free from generational sin begins with knowing who God is and what he desires for you. Deuteronomy 30:19 says,
"Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!
Scripture is clear that God desires to bless us with abundant life, yet we must not ignore the Bible’s teachings. We should strive to spend time in His word daily so that we are familiar with what it says. Knowing God’s word is key to identifying habitual sin in our families. Asking God for his forgiveness and repenting from these behaviors is what sets us free from sin and allows us to move forward.The Family Wins devotional with Companion App was designed to help you know God’s word better, apply biblical truths to your family, and experience the blessings of walking in freedom. John 8:32 says,
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
There is freedom in Christ. He is the chain breaker, who sets us free from the weight of the law we read about in The Old Testament. Scripture warns us of the consequences of unrepentant sin being passed down from one generation to the next, yet it also speaks of God’s mercy and provision shown to those who love him and follow his teachings. Like Deuteronomy 5:10 which illustrates God \
“doing mercy to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.”
This scripture reminds me of a song that is very special to my family. It was released during the Covid pandemic. It's called The Blessing and the words come right out of scripture. This is our prayer for our family and your family.
The Lord bless you
And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His
Face toward you
And give you peace
May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children, and their children
May His presence go before you
And behind you, and beside you
All around you, and within you
He is with you, He is with you
In the morning, in the evening
In your coming, and your going
In your weeping, and rejoicing
He is for you, He is for you ~ Elevation Worship
The Blessing with Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes | Live From Elevation Ballantyne | Elevation Worship
Perhaps you have witnessed some of the repercussions of generational sin in your own family. Why not bring them before God right now and repent of them, so you can break free from any unhealthy patterns and begin walking in the blessings God has for your family. He is for you!!!
Be kind to yourself. You are not alone in your shortcomings. In Romans 3:23 it says,
“For ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
This truth powerfully illustrates the sinful nature of every human being. The only person truly deserving of God’s grace and blessing is Jesus, the perfect sacrifice for you and me. When Jesus went to the cross on our behalf, he paid our debt in full“ that
“ALL might be justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:24
This is the Good News! God has lovingly provided each of us with a way out from under our sin, you need only to act upon it…
So what’s stopping you from stepping into Blessing?
