Do not hold against us the sins of past generations; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need. – Psalm 79:8

In our verse for today, the Psalmist begs God to not hold against us the sins of our past generations. Albeit unfair, it is a principle that has crippled a lot of destinies. Many people today are bearing physical and spiritual scars due to a reckless action or inaction of a parent, grandparent or ancestor. Besides the many tales of this predicament in our society today, there are several references in the Bible we can also look at. A notable one is the story of Gehazi, a servant of the prophet Elisha. When Naaman, a commander in the Aramean army, comes to Elisha seeking a cure for his leprosy. Elisha instructs Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times, and Naaman is miraculously healed.

After Naaman is healed, he offers gifts to Elisha, but Elisha refuses. Gehazi, however, is overcome by greed and decides to chase after Naaman to deceitfully acquire some of the gifts that Elisha had rejected. When Gehazi returns, Elisha confronts him, revealing that he knew of Gehazi’s actions through divine revelation. As a consequence of his greed and deceit, Elisha tells him, “Naaman’s leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever.” – 2 Kings 5:27

Many of the spiritual battles people face today take their root from the mistakes of past generations, but our ignorance and lack of knowledge in the word of God is what keeps us still tied to these curses and bondages. Scripture is emphatic on our position in Christ. Apostle Peter tells us that are royal priesthood and sons of God, and our Lord has given us the power to bind and to set loose. (1 Peter 2:9)

In Galatians 3:13 we learn that we have been set free from the law that passes on generational curses, and if we will enforce the power given unto us, every bondage, tie or evil generational consequence that has plagued our lives will be completely decimated.

If the Psalmist made this plea to God, then why shouldn’t we who have been redeemed exercise the authority given to us to tie and to set loose? In the name of Jesus, we proclaim that every negative cycle be broken.

We stand as Children of the most high to discontinue any generational bondage, tie and curse in Jesus name. We proclaim that we are free, our children are free. All those to come after us are free. In Jesus name, Amen!