How to Transmute Curses into Blessings

Turning someone else’s “curse” into a blessing for others. If you struggle with taking criticism, or dealing with people who just want to rain on your day, here’s what I suggest. Turn their curse on you into a blessing for others. Not long ago I got an e-mail from a reader. It was one line.

“I think your books are pure drivel.” 

How did I respond? I sent out an e-mail to all of my readers, displaying a screen shot of the e-mail (with their name blurred) offering a one-time 50% off code for any e-book or audiobook purchase, load up as many books into your cart as you like.

When I did that, you know what it did for me? It freed me from “stewing” over that negative Nancy e-mail all day long. In fact, I felt totally blessed afterwards, blessed to be a blessing.

But I have to admit, I didn’t come up from this idea. All my best ideas I get from God.

Remember, how Joseph told his brothers that what they intended for evil, God meant for good? How about the cross? A cursing that God redeemed to be a blessing to the whole world.

How can you take what someone else intends as a curse, and redeem it into a blessing for other people?

In Galatians 3:13-14, Paul writes:

"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree'—so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles" (Gal 3:13-14).

The Greek term for "curse" here is κατάρα (katara), which denotes both the pronouncement of judgment and its consequences. Christ deliberately embraced this curse—the ultimate rejection and condemnation—to transform it into the means of blessing (εὐλογία, eulogia) for all nations.

This paradox forms the central mystery of our faith. What humans intended for evil—the crucifixion of the Son of God—God intended for good—the salvation of humanity. The cross stands as history's greatest reversal: what was intended as humiliation became exaltation; what was meant to silence became proclamation; what was designed to end hope became its foundation.

Consider how this approach fundamentally alters our spiritual landscape:

- From reactive to creative

- From victim to agent

- From bound to free

- From curse-bearer to blessing-giver

This practice reveals several profound theological truths:

1. Divine Sovereignty Amid Human Freedom: Like Joseph, we can recognize God's overarching purposes without denying the reality of human malice. God works not despite human freedom but through it, weaving even our worst choices into His redemptive design.

2. Participation in Christ's Redemptive Work: When we transform curses into blessings, we participate in Christ's ongoing redemptive work. As Paul states, "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions" (Col 1:24). The Greek term ἀνταναπληρῶ (antanaplērō, "I fill up") suggests our participation in extending Christ's redemptive suffering.

3. Breaking Cycles of Retaliation: This approach breaks the natural human cycle of retaliation described in Romans 12:17-21, where Paul exhorts: "Do not repay anyone evil for evil... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Rom 12:17, 21). The Greek verb νικάω (nikaō, "overcome") suggests not passive endurance but active conquest of evil through deliberate goodness.

4. Spiritual Formation: This practice forms us spiritually by aligning our responses with God's redemptive character. We are shaped not merely by what happens to us but by how we respond to what happens to us. When we respond to evil with blessing, we are being conformed to the image of Christ (Rom 8:29).

This practice is not about gaining moral superiority or shaming others. The focus remains on blessing, not on highlighting the original offense. True transformation occurs when we genuinely desire good for those who harm us, not when we use "blessing" as a sophisticated form of retaliation.

How might we apply this principle today? Consider:

- When receiving harsh and unwarranted criticism, can you make a point to compliment or bless someone else, even if they don’t deserve it?

- When facing rejection, can you channel that experience into creating spaces of inclusion for others who feel marginalized?

- When encountering opposition to your work or ministry, can you use that resistance as an opportunity to clarify your purpose and reach new audiences?

- When betrayed by someone close, can you, like Joseph, recognize God's hidden purposes even in this painful experience?

If you can do that, I promise, it’ll totally change your day. It won’t just turn someone else’s curse into a blessing for others, you’ll be blessed, too.

 

In Jesus’ name,

 

Judah