Sometimes we speak curses over ourselves and others, and we have had curses spoken over us. Some of you know exactly what I am referring to, and others may be less convinced. Let me explain.
The Oxford Dictionary defines a curse as “an offensive word or phrase used to express anger or annoyance; a solemn utterance intended to invoke a supernatural power to inflict harm or punishment on someone or something.” Simply put, curses are words that do not build up and encourage, but tear down and destroy. And if you believe in supernatural things, speaking curses not only wounds a person, but potentially invites enemy activity into their life.
I picture curses like words that are splattered on us, much like if you were standing by the street after a rainstorm and a car rushes by, spraying a puddle of muddy water all over you. And those muddy words, now staining your clothes, may have bullies attached to them that now constantly mock and berate you with what those words say.
Proverbs has several things to say about our words, such as:
- “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (12:18)
- “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” (15:4)
- “The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives.” (18:7)
- “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (18:21)
Curses also need a fertile place to land, according to Proverbs 26:2, which says, “Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.” The problem is, those harsh words most often land right on that sore spot that we have struggled with for so long.
Here are some examples:
“I am a failure.”
“No one likes me.”
“I am fat and unattractive.”
“We’ll never get out of debt.”
“I hate you.”
“He is so stupid.”
“You will never change.”
“This disease is going to kill you.”
Ready for some good news? Curses are really easy to break in the name of Jesus. Since we’re here, why not take a minute to confess and repent for any curses (destructive words) you have spoken over yourself or someone else? Get specific if you can. Speak them broken in the name of Jesus Christ.
And replace those destructive words with words of life. Words that build up and encourage. Words that are the functional opposite of that curse. Words that line up with God’s Word. These are called blessings. You can bless a person (including yourself) with a specific Bible verse, fruits of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23, or anything else the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
May we be a people who push back darkness with our words, who regularly cleanse the muddy waters and pour forth blessings.
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
