Alcoholism, abuse, poverty, various addictions, and the list goes on. I can guarantee that every family has some of those things lurking about. In this post, I’m going to write about what they are and how they got to you. Grab a cup of coffee and be prepared to learn about some things that get labeled dysfunctional!
Generational Iniquity
In the Christian world, the term ‘generational, or generational iniquity’ is often used to describe cycles that span generations, from grandparents to their children, then to their grandchildren, and so on.
The Biblical definition of iniquity is wickedness. Simple.
So a generational iniquity is a wicked act or sin committed by someone in a family line that lived before you. Of course, this begs the question: why do you care? Since you didn’t commit the iniquity. Or maybe you did or do?
Very often, our society deems these things as a cycle. A cycle of poverty or a cycle of abuse. That is correct. It is a cycle that has gone from generation to generation, and here’s what the scriptures have to say about it:
From the Ten Commandments:
“You shall have no other Gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments. (Ex 20: 3-6)
God warns that sin/iniquity will visit the third and fourth generation. By that time, it has become so rooted in a family structure that it is not unusual for it to continue beyond the fourth generation. The good news is that you have the power to break the cycle and free yourself from the past!
Breaking Free
How do you get spiritually free from those things? Begin by making a general list of things that you see in both yourself and those before you. Some of the things on my list from one side of my family were: child abuse, alcoholism, addictions to drugs, food, spending (shopping), gambling, poverty, greed, bigotry, and anger.
Once you make a general list, repent for the specific sins of the generations before you and state that those cycles are broken and no longer can control you. Declare that they cannot follow the next generation (your kids may still need to battle these things for themselves) and then ask the Lord what broke and what needs more work. Some things will leave very easily, while others may be entrenched, and you will need specific revelation from the Lord to uproot them from your life completely.
If you are adopted and don’t know a lot of specifics, start with what you know about your birth parents. The Lord will tell you the rest as you need it.
Conclusion
Don’t get discouraged by these things. God is in the blessing business! You can be the agent of change that shifts the course of your family.
Until next time under the palm, be blessed!
