Any attempt to have a conversation about generational baggage or generational curses generally involves a recitation of Exodus 34:7, which says, speaking of God, “Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.”
This has been the “poster text” for many who view generational curses in this way. However, the Bible is quite clear in Ezekiel 18:2-4 when it asks,“What do youmean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge’? As I live, declares the Lord God, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel.Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.”
Ezekiel counters the original view held by the people in that time about the “sins of the father” being “visited” on the son or the son suffering because of his father’s mistakes.
So, if that’s not what generational curses or baggage is about, what is it? How are we still being burdened by it? And most importantly, what can we do to get rid of the generational baggage?
Generational Baggage
There are poor behavioural patterns, choices, and habits repeated in families, taught to children, and passed on over the generations. There are great things that are transferred this way as well, such as stories and so on. These can be harmless; however, other traits are passed on this way that keeps us stuck in cycles of self-sabotage and stagnation.
Researchers have found that our choices affect our DNA and that over time, children become more susceptible to the predispositions passed on to them by their parents. These include health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, and even cancer. It also includes other predispositions such as coping mechanisms and belief patterns. Children born to parents who struggle with these traits cipf-es.org are thought to be more susceptible to them.
We all learn habits through observation. In the same way that children learn how to walk by watching adults walk and talk by listening to those around them, children can absorb negative traits from the adults around them. Without intervention or an interruption, the cycle will continue, and the next generation will follow suit.
It can be very difficult to break free of these patterns and traits because, by the time we realize they’re harmful to us, they’ve already been so deeply ingrained that it will require intentional, focused effort to reverse them. At this point, many persons choose to blame their family lineage, and they’re partially right. Saying no to these predispositions would have been a lot more challenging to them than someone not plagued by the predisposition, but the choice is still there to be made.
Coping mechanisms as generational baggage
Our parents had habits to cope with stress that were harmful to them and are still harmful to those who continued in their footsteps. Some examples of these are:
- Staying in abusive relationships
- Seeking approval and validation from external sources
- Emotional abuse/manipulation
- Being aggressive towards children
- Not seeking therapy to help with healing
- Keeping the knowledge of abuse “in the family.”
- Turning to comfort food
- Gambling and alcohol use to relieve stress
- Not reading the Bible for themselves, but instead relying on a pastor
If you have inherited or accepted baggage from your ancestors, there is still hope to reverse the “curse.” Whether your baggage is more spiritual in nature or revolves around food, it doesn’t matter. Jesus is the answer, and He has all the answers we need to rid ourselves of the baggage.
Scriptural Tips to Overcome Generational Baggage
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
God’s word is both strong and precise. Our soul receives vitality, guidance, and peace from God’s message. God is aware that this world has its own set of beliefs and that our various forefathers had their own baggage. On the other hand, God encourages us to break free from harmful cycles by renewing our minds with God’s word daily. In His Word, we find guidance, protection, and solutions to our daily struggles.
God is concerned with every area of our lives, so He has left us with a blueprint for properly navigating life. There is nothing that we can experience that can take God by surprise. When we refresh our minds and commit to focusing
Tumore prostatico: la prognosi in base a stadio, grado e rischio
There will be a period of unlearning and re-learning. It will not happen overnight, but the word of God can renew souls and bring us back into alignment with God.
“Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:”
God has been known to give us hard pills to swallow. His instructions don’t always make sense to us (if we’re completely honest), and at other times, they can be downright scary. When Abram was told to leave his father’s house, he was not told where to go. Still, he chose to obey God, despite the fear and uncertainty. We’re called to exercise this kind of faith and obedience in our own lives today. Reading the word alone is not enough. We have to have willing and obedient hearts as well.
- 2. Pray Always (Luke 18:1)
“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;.”
Prayer is your weapon. When we pray, we invite God into our situations and ask for His divine intervention. Only God can give us true redemption from addictions, cycles, and harmful practices. Only He can remove the desire and the temptation to run to the path of least resistance when things start to get rocky.
When we pray, we focus on God, acknowledge our shortcomings, and proclaim His power. He hears our sincere prayers, and He gives us His strength to get through the struggle. He sends help, he speaks peace, and He renews hearts. Pray without ceasing. Go through each day with an attitude of reverence, listening for His guidance, influencing your decisions, and breaking your generational chains.
