The Power to Heal Generational Suffering
“When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing.”
Each of us struggles with emotional pain at different points in our lives. Our struggles are not new to us. Often, we inherit our physical pain from previous generations. I have genetic birth defects in my lower back that have caused problems for me. I was deeply worried that my daughter would inherit my issues. There was such relief after testing that she did not have those issues. We can also inherit emotional pain, which can also be debilitating.
Thomas Oppong, in his article “Suffering Doesn’t Start With You,” states, “Your pain is older than you.” Oppong shares that people pass on the dysfunction we do not heal from. “Pain, loss, scarcity, and stress don’t just disappear.” We emotionally digest what we know, for better or worse. We can create a high threshold for pain when we feel pain over a long period of time. Again, emotional discomfort, over time, also forms a high threshold of toleration. Sometimes, people even brag about their ability to endure physical and emotional pain, without realizing they will inadvertently pass it on to those they love.
Studies have found that World War II Concentration Camp survivors’ children often respond to situations with similar pain, not unlike their parents, even though they were never in a camp. Their fears and anxiety were experienced through their parents’ example as learned responses. Their parents would never have intentionally passed on their emotional struggles, but their unresolved trauma unconsciously bled into their children’s subconscious. The way to stop the generational suffering is by deliberately addressing the emotional pain with prayer and therapy.
Experiencing trauma is not a weakness, but it does require action, so we do not hurt those we love. The gospel writers emphasized Jesus’ healings because pain has hurt others for generations. Jesus cares about healing body, mind, and soul. Prayerfully reflect on the areas of your life where you still suffer, rather than shoving it deep within and letting it bleed into others' lives. Ask God to guide your healing process, bringing you the proper support, not only for your sake but also for those you love. You can heal and support those you love by being courageous enough to act. Remember, you are not alone. God will be with you each step along the way.
