One of the ways to honor our parents is to resolve the past hurts and disappointments with the family of origin and begin a generational blessing!
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”
Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:31-36
True freedom comes from Christ, and it is through the power of forgiveness. If we want to be free from the bondage of sin, bitterness, and hurt, being forgiven and forgiving others is a in important part of the process of healing and restoration.
Many people have had issues with their parents that continue to linger in the form of anger, bitterness, and broken relationships. The Bible teaches a believer to honor their parents. Furthermore, to walk in generational blessings, the generational curses of the past need to be broken. Below are some steps to cut off the generational curses and begin generational blessings:
1.Forgive your parents
Forgiveness is the first step to freedom from the bondage of the past. When we forgive our parents, we don’t hold the past against them.
Joyce Meyer has a powerful story of forgiving her parents. It was not easy for her to forgive years of abuse and neglect; it was a long process that took years. Forgiving your parents may also be a long process that God will begin to reveal things for your to forgive them for.
2.Receiving God’s forgiveness
When one is in the mode of anger and bitterness all they see is the parents’ part in the problem. However, if we are honest with ourselves, we also have failed in certain ways and areas in the way we related to our parents. That could have been through rebellion, passivity, neglect, or having an attitude towards them. Whatever the case may be, one needs to own up to the part they played in the breakdown of the relationship or dishonoring them.
3.Renounce the generational curses
Now that you have taken steps to forgive and ask for forgiveness, the curses have no cause to remain in your life. You can renounce, reject, and cut off every generational curse in Jesus’ name that was transferred through your family line. Jesus has the power and authority to drive out every generational curse. You can also breakdown every form of stronghold in the name of Jesus.
4.Declare blessings
Speak words of life and blessings over your parents. Thank the Lord for them.
5. Seek Reconciliation with parents if possible
It may not be feasible to seek reconciliation in every case with your parents. Sometimes the parents are no longer living. At other times, the parents may be dangerous or uninterested. However, in cases where it is possible, you can cautiously move in the direction of reconciliation knowing that they may never be capable of giving you what you missed in childhood. Coming to terms with this reality is going to be one of the key ways that one can have peace in the relationship.
6. Be proactive as parents
If you are a parent, you should also recognize that your children may have disappointments and hurts towards you. If your relationship can handle tough talk and transparency, you can seek out to resolve any issues from the past that hold you back in having a more meaningful relationship with your children. When appropriate, admit the wrong and ask for their forgiveness. You want to be in a position that you can bless your children and speak words of life over them.
If they are not interested in having a relationship with you, continue to walk in forgiveness and keep your heart open until such a time that their hearts are softened towards you. Pray for them that the Lord would work on their hearts and to turn their hearts towards you.
Is there anything you need to do to resolve issues from the past with your parents and/or your children? The above steps can free you up and position you to receive and transfer generational blessings to the next generation.
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