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Am I Generationally Blessed or Cursed?

When it comes to the idea of a “generational curse” (or intergenerational trauma), we must remember this: the curse of sin and death was broken by Christ on the cross for all of humanity. So any perceived “curse” in our family contradicts a belief in that action.

I know someone who is terrified of having children because she believes there is a curse on her family due to some unconfessed sexual sin of a grandfather. While this is a tender and real emotion due to a difficult family history, it is inconsistent with Scripture.

Now, Genesis 3 reminds us that we live in an imperfect, fallen world. So even though the “curse” has been broken (on the cross), we still face ramifications of that fallenness. This is not the continued existence of a curse; it is the ripple effect of a consequence. Plainly stated, it may seem we “pay” for the sins of our fathers, but what we really experience is the effect of mankind’s sin in general.

It is a tension. Romans 8:18-23 tells us all creation suffers because of the curse of Genesis 3, and will continue to suffer until the coming of our Lord. We shouldn’t minimize the effects of humanity’s sins, but we also shouldn’t focus on them. Dwelling on a perceived curse can produce ramifications ranging from the sin of idolatry to stifling self-defeat.

If your past or present family situation is less than ideal, God is more than able to redeem the hardest parts of what you deal with. I love what it says in Jeremiah 32:27: “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?” This is a rhetorical question; the answer is no. Nothing was or is too hard for God. That includes redeeming your past and using your life in a powerful way, even if it includes dark and difficult secrets.

What steps have you taken to heal from family hurt? What additional steps do you need to take, even if you’re afraid or not ready right now?