Introduction.
As heirs and joint-heirs with Christ, our job is to reflect His love. God wants us to do good and help our fellow man. We’ve been designed and created by God to be a blessing. Our new lives in Christ, which was instituted by the shed blood of Jesus, means we are an extension of Him on earth. If we’re kind to the people we see and interact with daily, we’ll yield a crop of blessings. Also, goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives. See Psalm 23:6.
Definition of Imprecatory Prayers.
I recently found out about Imprecatory prayers. Imprecatory prayers are words spoken to return any negativity, harm, or curses to the sender. When I heard about it, I immediately searched my spirit and mind to see if I had rebelled against God in this manner, and I found that I had.
Let’s look at the root word of “imprecatory” which is imprecate: to invoke evil upon or curse” one’s enemies. King David, the psalmist most associated with imprecatory verses such as Psalm 55:15, 69:28, and 109:8, often used phrases like, “may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.” (Psalm 35:6). (2025, GotQuestions.org)
Some years ago, I started speaking Imprecatory prayers, but I didn’t realize it was disobedience to Jesus’ teachings to love one another. I heard several people speak prayers like, “I reverse damaging words strategized against me.” I didn’t see anything wrong with this kind of prayer, and people had supporting Scriptures to back them up. The keyword in that example above is “reverse.” It’s a subtle way of returning harm to the sender. I started saying this type of prayer weekly and sometimes daily. I did feel a hesitancy. But my mind said, “How could I be wrong if I’m working in harmony with the Word?”
Powerful Revelation.
I finally got my answer to why I felt that hesitancy. When people say or do something wrong to us, we shouldn’t try to reverse their negative actions by speaking a reversal of the “curse.” You might think, “But I’m just sending back to them what they gave to me.” Some think it’s alright to pray a “return to sender” when people mistreat them with words or actions, but that goes against the teachings of Christ.
Many feel justified in returning curses and negative energies back to people because there are Scriptures in the Old Testament that seem to support those kind of counterattacks. See II Kings 2:23 to 25, Psalm 139:21, Psalm 109:4 to 15.
A. Blessing and Cursing Defined.
Definition of Bless: Baker’s Evangelistic Dictionary of Biblical Theology says, “Two distinct ideas are present. First, a blessing was a public declaration of a favored status with God. Second, the blessing endowed power for prosperity and success. In all cases, the blessing served as a guide and motivation to pursue a course of life within the blessing.” (2025, BibleStudyTools.com)
Definition of Curse: Topical Encyclopedia says, “In the biblical context, a curse is a pronouncement of judgment or misfortune upon individuals, groups, or even the land, often as a consequence of disobedience to God's commandments. Curses are depicted throughout the Bible as both divine judgments and human imprecations, reflecting the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God.” (2025, BibleHub.com)
B. Let Love Lead.
The Bible says, “don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 KJV. The Scripture also says, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10 NKJV. Most of us know that it is God’s will that we walk and live in the love of Jesus Christ.
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: I Peter 1:22 KJV
But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another. I Thessalonians 4:9 NKJV
C. Blessings of Obedience.
The Scripture calls us “children of God,” and some Bible versions say, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9 KJV.
According to Matthew 5:3 to 12, we inherit the earth, we shall be filled, we obtain mercy, we shall see God [v. 8], we possess the kingdom of heaven [v. 10], blessed and great is our reward in heaven [v. 11, 12].
There could be thousands of blessings that happen when we obey God and His direction. Here are four:
1. Closer walk with God.
2. We can hear Him better.
3. Spiritual growth.
4. God’s protection.
God is trying to bless us so that we stay away from a cursed life and experience an abundant life of peace, safety, and love. He’s trying to protect us by keeping us in the love of Christ.
As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come. Proverbs 26:2 KJV
Example 1: Jesus lived a consecrated life of obedience to God even leading up to His death, burial, and resurrection. God doesn’t expect us to die for mankind because Jesus was the perfect, spotless Lamb who was and is the final atonement for all sin. As followers of Christ, however, there will be times when we will need to take low or make sacrifices in order for God’s will to be done as it relates to being quiet when we could defend ourselves, but perhaps the Holy Spirit is leading you to be silent.
1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Ephesians 5:1, 2 KJV
Example 2: It’s more blessed to give than to receive. See Acts 20:35. In this Blog, we’re referring to giving mercy, forgiveness, patience, and quietness in the face of adversity. See Psalm 112:5, II Corinthians 4:17.
6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. 7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. II Corinthians 8:6, 7
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; II Corinthians 4:17 KJV
Example 3: Our love and obedience to the Scriptures to bless and not curse shows the world that we belong to Christ; that we are His true disciples. This is one of the main marks of a Believer and that is for us to love one another.
D. The Purpose of Obeying Scriptures to Bless and Curse Not, Love and Not Hate:
Bear Fruit. We want to bear fruit that is clean, holy, uncontaminated, pure in our motives and bear the marks of our decision of being resolute when it comes to representing God and His Kingdom that causes others to grow in Jesus Christ.
E. Why do People Retaliate Against People When Wronged?
1] Fear. The Bible says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” I John 4:18 NKJV. Also see Romans 8:15 and II Timothy 1:7.
2] Lack of Trust in God. We all have some level of faith and trust in God. The Bible says, “to every man He’s given the measure of faith.” This means we all can trust God when times are tough and when everything is going our way.
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 12:3 KJV
3] Uncomfortable about Waiting on God. The Word says, “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 KJV
4] Pride or Need to Be in Power, Control. Sometimes, unknowingly, we place ourselves on the throne of our lives. This happens when we act as if we’re God over our lives and don’t submit to the Law of Love.
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. I Corinthians 10:12, 13
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34 KJV
5] They Don’t Know Vengeance Belongs to God.
When we have a revelation from God and the Scriptures, we begin to live in obedience. Our actions reflect light in that area of our lives. Those who take vengeance either erred because they reacted too quickly to walk in the love of Christ, or they don’t yet have a revelation concerning that area of their lives. This would fall under the “lack of knowledge” category. Hosea 4:6.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have[a] regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:17 to 19 NKJV
F. Dangers of Cursing Others.
Wanting to get even with people is a “spirit.” That spirit gains access to us through the open doors of pride, bitterness, unforgiveness, and being mishandled or perceiving that you’ve been mistreated. Perception is a very deep force. If someone is unkind to you, but you feel like they’re just having a bad day. And you choose to still live in happiness and peace, then you’re fine and no harm has been done. They’ve only sinned against you if you accept that into your mind and spirit. If you release them, choose not to dwell on it, and give them some space, it’s quite liberating.
1] It activates the Law of Sowing and Reaping, also referred to as the Law of Reciprocity. The Law of Sowing and Reaping is simply receiving a harvest from the things we do and say. See the Bible verses below.
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:7, 9 KJV
2] Sending curses back to people is a sin. Sin separates us from God. As soon as we realize that we have sinned against God, we should repent and ask God for His wisdom and direction on how to break free from that sin. Self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit and it takes discipline to not react in haste by taking revenge. This could mean being argumentative with someone who is contentious. Or it could be that you change your whole entire demeanor and storm off like a gruff person. We all make mistakes, but we should strive to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit as much as possible.
“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” Proverbs 25:28 KJV
3] Getting even with imprecatory prayers is a form of rebellion. Retaliation and vengeance actions are rebellion against God’s law of love. And Rebellion is outright disobedience. In other words, it means “intentional” sin against God. See Deuteronomy 28:47 to 48, Psalm 68:6, Proverbs 17:11.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 KJV
17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.
20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”
21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:21 NLT
H. How Do You Break Free from Cursing and Retaliation?
1] Draw close to God. Draw nigh to God and He will draw near to you. Seek His face while He may be found. Put God first. See Matthew 6:33. Pray without ceasing.
2] Repent. To repent means to turn away from sin in totality or to turn away from a particular sin and to turn to God. When you’re operating in the spirit of repentance, you agree with God and what He has to say about the sin. It encompasses a determination to seek God’s face, obey His commandments, and to walk pleasing in His sight. See Micah 6:8.
3] Ask for God’s help and direction. We all need God’s guidance and He longs to give us clarity and instruction for all areas of our lives.
a. Include God by asking for His guidance in all that matters to you. See Proverbs 3:6 below.
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5, 6 KJV
b. Pray for forgiveness and allow Him to cleanse you from all iniquities.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9 KJV
4] Bear fruit worthy of repentance. In other words, from this time forward, your actions should show that you’re not involved with cursing people or retaliating when people don’t treat you right. And it should become obvious to us and/or others that we no longer commit that sin. See Matthew 3:8 to 10.
5] Speak the Word for complete and continuous freedom. Find Scriptures that reinforce your obedience, freedom, and breakthrough. The Word has more power than you can imagine when experiencing true and abundant freedom. John 8:32. Let’s look at these verses below that express the power of God’s Word and the blessings of our cooperation with it.
Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:29 KJV
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 KJV
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Matthew 7:7, 8 KJV
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. Mark 11:23, 24.
Summary.
Jesus prayed for His current disciples and those would become future followers after His resurrection. See John 17:15 to 24. He prayed that we would be unified. Jesus wanted us to be one like He and the heavenly Father are One. If we are to fulfill Jesus' command to love one another, we can't send curses back to people who don't like us. As much as it's possible, we should live at peace with all and love one another. As we obey God, He'll anoint our heads with oil and our cups will run over.
Blessings,
Tanda
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