Reversing Word Curses

“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain”” (1 Chronicles 4:9).

Jabez descended from the tribe of Judah and his mother had a difficult birthing experience with him. His name represented her pain and it would appear that this had a negative impact on his life. Either that or he understood the implications of his name and prayed to avert the meaning this. Jabez prayed this very short prayer unto God, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked” (1 Chronicles 4:10).

There are other Old Testament prophets who spoke blessings and curses over their children. Isaac blessed Jacob although he intended to bless Esau. This was after Jacob and his mother conspired to disguise him to trick his father into passing on his brother’s blessing. Esau cried out to his father when he realise what had been done and asked him for a blessing. “But he said, “Your brother came deceitfully, and he has taken away your blessing”” (Genesis 27:35). Isaac told Esau that he had made Jacob Lord over him and his brothers. “By your sword you shall live, and you shall serve your brother; but when you grow restless you shall break his yoke from your neck”(Genesis 27:40).

Jacob also spoke blessings over his sons and some of his pronouncements sounded like curses. To Rueben he said, “Unstable as water, you shall not have preeminence, because you went up to your father’s bed; then you defiled it—he went up to my couch”(Genesis 49:4)! He also had harsh pronouncements for Simeon and Levi. “Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel” (Genesis 49:7). Jacob had high praises from Judah and pronounced this over him. “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples” (Genesis 49:10).

The blessings spoken over Judah can be seen with both King David and Jesus Christ descending from that tribe. Parents have spiritual authority over their children and the words spoken them from conception and throughout their lives carries significance. Words spoken in anger, frustration and even in adoration can take root and bear fruits. Jabez’s example demonstrates that curses can be reversed. His prayer was simple and sincere and God answered. Other people can also speak word curses over children and adults. This is especially related to people who have some form of authority such as Teachers or Ministers. Through the blood of Jesus Christ and the power of God in us, we can identify and pray to reverse the effects of negative words.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21).

A.P.-Y.

Published by Anneta Pinto-Young

I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession.

Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm.

I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing.

I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.
View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young

Published
February 14, 2023February 14, 2023

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