It ends with you – breaking generational cycles, curses and consequences

Exodus 20:5; Lamentations 5:7; Ezekiel 18:14; Ephesians 4:26-27; 1 John 3:8; Acts 10:38

We inherit certain traits, good or bad, through our bloodline. This is true physically and medically. As Christians we accept that we inherit physical traits, but we often forget we also inherit generational curses.

The Bible teaches this from Genesis onwards. Sin had a consequence for all who came after Adam and Eve. When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. We are not sinners because we have sinned, we are sinners because we are born sinners. We are born with a sinful nature.

Sin runs through the bloodline. Particular sins run down the bloodline (Exodus 20:5). In Lamentations 5:7 we are told that we bare the inquiries of our forefathers. In Hebrew we bear their distortion. Sinful personalities are passed down. Addictions can be passed down. Having a quick temper can be passed down. We need to pull these things up by the roots. We need to look back into the generation, identify the root and name it so that God can remove it (Ezekiel 18:14).

We need to get free from:

1. Generational patterns – Our relationships with thinks can become unhealthy. Patterns can become things we need to cope with live. Abraham lied about Sarah being his wife, Isaac did the same, Jacob did more and was known as a liar. Joseph refused this pattern and it ended with him. We need to repent and replace the patterns in our lives.
2. Generational pains – Trauma can affect future generations. Children of PTSD sufferers carry anxiety. Sin sends shrapnel down our family line.
3. Generational powers – Satan and demons are real. Satan growls around like a roaring lion looking for those to devour. Demons know the patterns and pains that afflict us. We see this in Ephesians 4:26-27. We are called not to give a foothold to the devil. Demons can and do afflict Christians. Demons can cause or encourage mental health issues, physical illness, fear, speech issues, self harm, violence, anger, unforgiveness, lying, deceit and suicide.

There is nothing in these that are over our heads. They are under our feet (1 John 3:8). We need to know who we are and who Jesus is. We are set free through the cross. Through the cross our wounds are healed and the powers and authorities are disarmed. We need to take hold of the blood of Jesus and apply it to the patterns, pains and powers in our lives.

To be free from generational patterns, pains and powers we need to:

1. Recognise – We need to name the patterns, name the pains and name the powers if we can.
2. Repent – We need to confess and repent of any patterns we have identified.
3. Renounce – We need to renounce the patterns, pains and powers in our lives.
4. Request – We need to pray in faith to be set free.