Have you heard of generational curses? The idea is that if your parents or grandparents sinned against God, it would carry down to your generation. As a result, you would not be as blessed. Sin would be passed down to the next generation. What does God say about generational curses in the bible? “As I live,” says the Lord God, “you shall no longer use this proverb in Israel.”
God clearly said to stop using this proverb about generational curses. The proverb is, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, And the children’s teeth are set on edge’? People thought that you would be punished for the sins of your parents or grandparents. I feel relieved for my kids. I do not want to set them back for mistakes I have made. Instead, I hope to equip them with tools to succeed.
A False Proverb Refuted
The word of the Lord came to me again, saying, “What do you mean when you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying:
‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes,
And the children’s teeth are set on edge’?
“As I live,” says the Lord God, “you shall no longer use this proverb in Israel.
–Ezekiel 18:1-3 (NKJV)
Jesus died on the cross to forgive us of our sins. Why would God have his son die a horrific, painful death through crucification, if he was going to leave behind generational curses? Nope. God is not having it. God said to stop using that proverb. Your parents messed up? They can seek God and ask for forgiveness and be forgiven, so why would God hold their sins against you? God does not hold your family’s sins and mistakes against you.
In the bible, Saul was thinking murderous thoughts, when he was seeking the apostles. God took Saul and turned him into an instrument for God’s good works. This is what God does in our lives. God takes our mistakes and turns them around into something good. God is looking to redeem us, not punish us and hold us down for something our family did in the past. If your family has made mistakes, you do not have to make the same mistakes. God will forgive your parents. Do not carry around guilt and shame for what our parents did or did not do. God has a plan for you. God wants you to prosper. God does not want to harm you. God has plans for you to have hope and a future.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
–Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Instead of thinking that you are weighed down by your parents sins, turn that thought around. How can I learn from the sins of my parents? Or, if you are a parent, how can I teach my kids to not make the same mistakes? For me personally, I was searching for something. I wanted to feel loved, accepted and valued. I did not understand that God would fill me up with love, beyond my comprehension. If my kids know how to pray and seek God, they will be equipped to deal with anything. Disregard the notion of generational curses. God wants you to prosper with hope for a bright future.
Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for the opportunity to learn from the mistakes of my parents and not repeat the same mistakes. I pray that you fill me with the Holy Spirit and lead me to do your will. I pray for wisdom to make decisions that will please you, God. Praying that you will lead me to prosper and to have a bright future.
Amen
Embrace This Beautiful Life 