Generational Curses

by Melissa J | More from this Blogger

08 Dec 2006 11:03 AM

Are they real? Yes they are and it is so important when contemplating sin to understand consequences that can surpass the moment inflicting pain on future generations. We can read about the first generational curse in Genesis upon Adam and Eve's consumption of the forbidden fruit. Although the curse from that still remains in labor and physical death, by our Lord's grace and mercy, in accepting His gift of salvation, we can be spared eternal spiritual death (separation from God). We see stories throughout the Bible of curses affecting generations that are perhaps examples that God allowed to be shared with us to show us how destructive sin can be.

In looking at our world today, we can still see generational curses. Take a parent who is an alcoholic for example; should they have children, it is believed their children are more prone to becoming alcoholics themselves if they should decided to start drinking. A pregnant mother who drinks also takes the risk of having a baby with various fetal alcohol effects that can cause lifelong serious challenges for her child.

Mental illness in another example of a generational curse. It was never God's intent for us to endure depression, bipolar, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) among many others. We live in a fallen world and as a result, we are not all perfect and have things we each struggle with. Mental illness is often hereditary. I believe it to be a generational curse in this case. There are many infirmities that are hereditary. Though the Lord certainly allows this, He is certainly able to use our weaknesses to keep us humble as well as use us for His glory.

The choices we make financially can have lasting impacts on future generations; possibly affecting what kind of neighborhoods will be of influence to the children, schools, financial stresses from money worries, feelings of inadequacy, government dependence... These things aren't always caused by our choice initially but can have lasting effects regardless. Abusive discipline practices can also be passed down the family line. Grown children might find themselves reacting toward their children in similar manner in which they were disciplined. Pretty much any sin I think about has the potential of affecting someone to the point where there are lasting impressions on people and their family or friends.

So what can we do from here?

• Identify the sin: "But if they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their fathers, with their unfaithfulness in which they were unfaithful to Me, and that they also have walked contrary to Me, and that I also have walked contrary to them and have brought them into the land of their enemies; their uncircumcised hearts are humbled, and they accept their guilt-then I will remember My covenant with Jacob, and My covenant with Isaac and My covenant with Abraham I will remember; I will remember the land." (Leviticus 26:40-43)

• Repent: "Please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You now, day and night, for the children of Israel which we have sinned against You, Both my father's house and I have sinned." (Nehemiah 1:6)

• Seek God and His blessing for your life: "Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God." (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)ue reading Deuteronomy chapter 28, you can see the blessing that was promised to these who obeyed God's commands for that time.

Though I'm using Old Testament scripture, I think it's important to recognize that God is unchanging. He is still the same God with the same character to wanting to bless us and protect us as any good loving father would.

Scripture references are quoted from the NKJV.

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Laura S (663) 09 Dec 2006 08:42 AM

I do agree with you that the consequences of a sinful lifestyle such as drinking, drugs, wasteful spending, and divorce cause the children and even the children's children to suffer. I believe this is indeed generational sin at work--God allowing the consequences of sin to take their toll. God can, however, and in his mercy often does, provide deliverance in such situations if the afflicted will turn to Him.

I respectfully disagree with you on the nature of generational curses when it comes to hereditary conditions.

Hereditary conditions such as mental illness are not generational curses. Other hereditary conditions (that you don't mention here) such as muscular dystrophy, retardation, spina bifoda (sp), blindness, and many other are also not generational curses. Jesus effectively refuted the notion of inherited illness being caused by sin in John 10 when he dealt with the man who was blind from birth. When they questioned Jesus as to why the man was blind, through his sin or his parents, Jesus answered "neither."

When we see someone today with an inherited condition, be it mental or physical, the answer to the question "who sinned to cause this condition" is still the same. "No one. It is for the glory of God."

How can an inherited illness be for the glory of God? I believe there are several ways: 1) the most obvious that most people would expect is actual the rarest--healing. The apostle Paul prayed for deliverance from his "thorn in the flesh" but was told instead was told that "God's grace is sufficient for you." (See no. 3 below.) 2) it enables those around the afflicted person to show the mercy of God 3) it enables the afflicted person to glorify God by consistency of faith despite their trail. There may be more ways for afflictions to glorify God, these are just the first I have thought of.

Some of the most Godly people that I know have given birth to children with mental or physical defects (yes, even mental illness). Is it because they have sinned and generational sin is paying a visit? No, I do not believe so. It is because their compassionate and holy treatment of their afflicted child is a picture of God's mercy and treatment of us and thus glorifies God.

Respectfully yours, in Christ's name.

Melissa J (13710) 09 Dec 2006 04:52 PM

I believe that mental illness was NOT a part of God's origional plan for us. If you have lived with a mental illness or know someone who has, you'll understand what I mean when I say it is not a blessing and would not wish it on anyone. I believe mental illness comes from a result of living in an imperfect world (which WAS stemmed from sin)where we deal with infirmities. I don't believe God does this to us but there are enviromental causes that likely effect genetically take alcohol tollerance for example. Though God CAN take these weaknesses and use them for His glory. I look at my own life having suffered with depression and anxiety. I like to think that I've been able to support others through it. Had I not dealt with what I have, I would truly have more time empathyzing. But I strongly believe God did not give us the spirit of fear which plagues so many genetically. I believe there are sometimes enviromental causes; some believe things like processed foods, air pollution and living in areas with tainted soils can cause birth defects--and mental illess is often a defect in the brain either where signals aren't able to connect, or there is a chemical imbalance. I do appreciate your thoughts though. :)