March 17th, 2025
by Pastor Luke
by Pastor Luke
Breaking Free from Word Curses: Embracing God's Truth
Have you ever been wounded by words? Perhaps someone in authority spoke harshly over you, leaving a scar that's never quite healed. These "word curses" can shape our self-perception and limit our potential, often without us even realizing it. But there's hope and freedom to be found in understanding the power of words and embracing the transformative truth of God's love.
The concept of word curses isn't explicitly named in Scripture, but the theme of blessings and curses runs throughout the Bible. James 3:9-10 reminds us of the dual nature of our speech: "With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God." Our words have incredible power – to build up or to tear down.
Word curses typically share three characteristics:
1. They come from someone in a position of authority
2. They are intended to diminish and demoralize
3. They stick with us, often for years
Common examples of word curses include phrases like:
- "You're a failure."
- "I wish I never had you."
- "I should have never married you."
- "You'll never amount to anything."
These cruel words, especially when spoken by parents, teachers, or other influential figures, can echo in our minds long after they're uttered. They create a false narrative about our identity and worth.
But here's the liberating truth: while words don't die, they can be replaced.
The story of the Apostle Paul in Acts 24 provides a powerful illustration. Paul, on trial before Governor Felix, faces accusations from a lawyer named Tertullus. This attorney, representing Jewish officials threatened by Paul's message, calls Paul a "plague." It's a deliberately chosen word, meant to evoke the plagues God sent on Egypt – positioning Paul as an enemy of God's people.
We don't know for certain how deeply this accusation affected Paul. But it's not hard to imagine the sting of being called a "plague" by your own brothers in faith. Even for someone as seemingly unshakeable as Paul, words like that could leave a mark.
This courtroom scene reminds us that those in positions of earthly authority don't always use their words wisely or kindly. Sometimes, like Tertullus, they use their platform to tear others down in an attempt to maintain control or power.
The good news is that we have access to a higher authority. God's words of love and affirmation have the power to displace and heal the wounds inflicted by human speech. Where the enemy seeks to diminish us through word curses, God speaks life-giving truth:
- Instead of "You're a failure," God says, "In Christ, you're a success."
- Instead of "No one loves you," God declares, "The Trinitarian God loves you."
- Instead of "I wish I never had you," God affirms, "I wanted you here."
- Instead of "You'll never amount to anything," God promises, "I have great plans for you."
We are "open-looped creatures," shaped by the words spoken into and over us. This is why it's crucial to fill our minds and hearts with God's truth. When we marinate in Scripture and surround ourselves with encouraging community, we create an environment where life-giving words can take root and flourish.
Consider this simple yet powerful exercise: Speaking words of affirmation and God's truth over another person. Even in a brief moment, you can see the impact – a softening of expression, a hint of a smile. Now imagine the cumulative effect of consistently speaking life into those around you, and allowing others to do the same for you.
This isn't about empty platitudes or ignoring genuine areas of growth. A word of loving correction is different from a curse meant to diminish. The key is intention – are we seeking to build up or tear down?
For those carrying the weight of word curses, there is hope for healing. Here are some steps toward freedom:
1. Identify the curses: Reflect on hurtful words that have stuck with you, especially from authority figures.
2. Bring them to light: Share these burdens with trusted friends, mentors, or church leaders who can pray with you.
3. Replace lies with truth: For each curse, find a corresponding truth in Scripture. Memorize and meditate on these life-giving words.
4. Speak life: Practice using your own words to encourage and uplift others.
5. Seek prayer and support: Don't hesitate to ask for prayer, possibly including anointing with oil, as you break free from the power of these curses.
Remember, you are not defined by the harshest words spoken over you. You are loved by a God who delights in you and has good plans for your life. In Christ, you have the authority to reject lies and embrace the freeing power of His truth.
As we navigate a world where words are often wielded carelessly or cruelly, let's be intentional about the power of our own speech. May we be people who consistently speak life, pointing others to the ultimate source of love and affirmation – Jesus Christ.
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." (Proverbs 18:21)
What words will you choose to believe today? And what words will you speak into the lives of those around you?
stay salty. be bright.
Pastor Luke
The concept of word curses isn't explicitly named in Scripture, but the theme of blessings and curses runs throughout the Bible. James 3:9-10 reminds us of the dual nature of our speech: "With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God." Our words have incredible power – to build up or to tear down.
Word curses typically share three characteristics:
1. They come from someone in a position of authority
2. They are intended to diminish and demoralize
3. They stick with us, often for years
Common examples of word curses include phrases like:
- "You're a failure."
- "I wish I never had you."
- "I should have never married you."
- "You'll never amount to anything."
These cruel words, especially when spoken by parents, teachers, or other influential figures, can echo in our minds long after they're uttered. They create a false narrative about our identity and worth.
But here's the liberating truth: while words don't die, they can be replaced.
The story of the Apostle Paul in Acts 24 provides a powerful illustration. Paul, on trial before Governor Felix, faces accusations from a lawyer named Tertullus. This attorney, representing Jewish officials threatened by Paul's message, calls Paul a "plague." It's a deliberately chosen word, meant to evoke the plagues God sent on Egypt – positioning Paul as an enemy of God's people.
We don't know for certain how deeply this accusation affected Paul. But it's not hard to imagine the sting of being called a "plague" by your own brothers in faith. Even for someone as seemingly unshakeable as Paul, words like that could leave a mark.
This courtroom scene reminds us that those in positions of earthly authority don't always use their words wisely or kindly. Sometimes, like Tertullus, they use their platform to tear others down in an attempt to maintain control or power.
The good news is that we have access to a higher authority. God's words of love and affirmation have the power to displace and heal the wounds inflicted by human speech. Where the enemy seeks to diminish us through word curses, God speaks life-giving truth:
- Instead of "You're a failure," God says, "In Christ, you're a success."
- Instead of "No one loves you," God declares, "The Trinitarian God loves you."
- Instead of "I wish I never had you," God affirms, "I wanted you here."
- Instead of "You'll never amount to anything," God promises, "I have great plans for you."
We are "open-looped creatures," shaped by the words spoken into and over us. This is why it's crucial to fill our minds and hearts with God's truth. When we marinate in Scripture and surround ourselves with encouraging community, we create an environment where life-giving words can take root and flourish.
Consider this simple yet powerful exercise: Speaking words of affirmation and God's truth over another person. Even in a brief moment, you can see the impact – a softening of expression, a hint of a smile. Now imagine the cumulative effect of consistently speaking life into those around you, and allowing others to do the same for you.
This isn't about empty platitudes or ignoring genuine areas of growth. A word of loving correction is different from a curse meant to diminish. The key is intention – are we seeking to build up or tear down?
For those carrying the weight of word curses, there is hope for healing. Here are some steps toward freedom:
1. Identify the curses: Reflect on hurtful words that have stuck with you, especially from authority figures.
2. Bring them to light: Share these burdens with trusted friends, mentors, or church leaders who can pray with you.
3. Replace lies with truth: For each curse, find a corresponding truth in Scripture. Memorize and meditate on these life-giving words.
4. Speak life: Practice using your own words to encourage and uplift others.
5. Seek prayer and support: Don't hesitate to ask for prayer, possibly including anointing with oil, as you break free from the power of these curses.
Remember, you are not defined by the harshest words spoken over you. You are loved by a God who delights in you and has good plans for your life. In Christ, you have the authority to reject lies and embrace the freeing power of His truth.
As we navigate a world where words are often wielded carelessly or cruelly, let's be intentional about the power of our own speech. May we be people who consistently speak life, pointing others to the ultimate source of love and affirmation – Jesus Christ.
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." (Proverbs 18:21)
What words will you choose to believe today? And what words will you speak into the lives of those around you?
stay salty. be bright.
Pastor Luke
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