Top 10 Bible Verses To Help In Addiction Recovery
As you move away from a past life of addiction, turning to God will help you to rebuild your life and to find a firm foundation on which to live. Whether youre just entering recovery, considering it and looking for motivation, or well on your way to a clean and sober lifestyle, its never too late to turn to God and to seek support in your addiction recovery. While its always important to seek out the assistance God has given us in the form of therapy, community, and church, you can also turn to His Word for support, motivation, and inspiration as you work through yourself and towards change.
While each one of us will find motivation and inspiration in our own way, the Word of God can be a beautiful and poignant reminder of what we are striving for. You can take these 10 Bible verses to help with your addiction recovery or set aside time to read the Word of God yourself, a few pages at a time, to find your own inspiration.
How Does God Help Us Avoid Or Heal Alcoholism
God helps us heal our addictions and prevent them in the first place by giving us a guide for life. Its called the Bible, and it provides the perfect example of how we should live, act, think, and feel. When we follow Gods will for our lives, we take comfort in the fact that we are loved, we are connected to God, and we belong. When we turn away from God and try to replace Him with other things, we get caught up with poor decision making, conflict with loved ones, and turning to things like alcohol to try to feel better.
In order to heal an addiction, it is important to focus on the three spheres of ones life: spirit, mind, and body. Trusting in God and following His guidance means we will be healthier spiritually. When the Holy Spirit is on the throne of our heart, we experience Gods power, guidance, and knowledge of forgiveness, peace, and hope. This affects us emotionally, because when we let go and allow God to rule our hearts, we experience reduced stress, less anguish, and greater peace. Finally, listening to what God tells us in the Bible increases our strength, our determination, and our overall physical health.
For The Spirit God Gave Us Does Not Make Us Timid But Gives Us Power Love And Self
All recovering addicts know it requires discipline and self-control to confront and overcome difficulties that may threaten sobriety and derail forward momentum in recovery. And everyone who is in recovery knows all too well that challenges and obstacles can appear with little notice and do much harm without a plan firmly in place to deal with them. The courage to move ahead is always easier to summon when asking for blessings from God such as power, love, and self-discipline to help navigate the way.
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The Bible Forbids Drinking If It Hinders The Gospel
Paul explained in 1 Corinthians 9 that even though he was allowed to eat and drink anything he wanted, he was very careful not to do things that would hinder the gospel of Christ. He said, “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many a possible. “I became all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” If I was trying to witness to someone who thought it was bad for Christians to drink, theres no way I would drink alcohol in front of that person!
What Are Some Bible Verses About Food
1 Corinthians 10:31Hebrews 13:9 Proverbs 23:2 1 Corinthians 6:13Below are some good bible verses about addiction to help one recover from excessive longing for food:Psalm 127:2-1Proverbs 13:25Romans 7:19-20Proverbs 23:1-31 Corinthians 10:312 Corinthians 12:9-10Proverbs 25:161 Corinthians 6:12Galatians 5:22-24
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What Does The Bible Say About Drugs And Alcohol
Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol are waging war within the culture and even within the church. An addict can be found living on almost every block, within almost every family, and even within almost every home. Drugs are taking their toll on the world as we know it. As the problem continues to grow, convictions concerning the matter begin to dwindle. More and more drug and alcohol abuse becomes acceptable as even the government shifts from banning substances to allowing them to be used by the masses.
Gaining a proper biblical perspective on the matter is vitally important for the Christian. Oftentimes the addict may say something like, The Bible does not speak about marijuana therefore, it must be okay to use, or, The Bible only talks about alcohol not the substances that I am using, or, God made mushrooms, the marijuana plant, the cocaine plant, and even the opioid plant therefore, I should be able to use them. At this point, the Christian is often dumbfounded and does not know what to say.
As a result, the Christian admits defeat, and the addict goes on his way thinking that he is right or at least that he has won that battle. Sadly to say, oftentimes the Christian does not have a response for the hope that is in him. The Christian oftentimes does not know what to say concerning many attacks that are made against Gods Word and His heart. So what is a true biblical view on the topic of drugs and alcohol?
What Does The Bible Really Say About Alcohol
Here are your keys, muttered the secretary when I arrived to pick up the keys to my office at Aberdeen University, where I would be studying for my doctorate in theology. It looks like youre in The Old Brewery.
Intrigued by the name, I later found out that it reflected the buildings original function. Aberdeen was founded in the 15th century and used to train monks for ministry. In the brewery, monks brewed vast quantities of Scottish ale, which was served by the liter at mealtimes. And here I was, a post-fundamentalist Ph.D. student studying the Scriptures in a malted sanctuary where late medieval Bible college students once clapped mugs together in an act of worship.
Throughout Christian history, alcohol was rarely a taboo as it is in some circles today. John Calvin had a stipend of 250 gallons of wine per year written into his church contract. Martin Luthers wife was a famed brewer of beer, which certainly won Martins heart. And the Guinness family created their renowned Irish Stout as an act of worship to Jesus. From Bordeaux to Berlin, wine and beer have always been part of church tradition. But what was once considered the nectar of heaven was later condemned as the devils libation.
A Smart Approach
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Finding Quality Treatment For Substance Use Disorders
This fact sheet serves as a guide for individuals seeking behavioral health treatment. It provides three necessary steps to complete prior to utilizing a treatment center and the five signs of a quality treatment center, which include a review of the accreditation, medication, evidence-based practices, position on the role of families, and support networks.
Matrix Intensive Outpatient Treatment For People With Stimulant Use Disorders: Counselor’s Family Education Manual W/cd
This comprehensive kit provides substance use disorder treatment professionals with a year-long intensive outpatient treatment model. Professionals can use this model when treating clients who are dependent on stimulant drugs, such as methamphetamine and cocaine. Access family education sessions and handouts.
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Many People Ask Can I Drink A Small Amount Daily
Where do we draw the line when it comes to alcohol assumption? How much is too much? The alcohol that was used in Scripture, was not as strong as what we have today, so we should actually drink less. All things should be done in moderation, but never make up your own definition for moderation. Alcohol tolerance levels vary, but one way to know is if Christ was standing in front of you, would you have a clear conscience drinking a couple of glasses of alcohol a day?
If another believer lived with you, would you have a clear conscience drinking alcohol every day? Would it cause them to stumble? Would it cause you to stumble? What is your body and your mind telling you? Are you getting tipsy and to the point of intoxication? What is your purpose?
Is it really showing self-control when consuming alcohol daily? Can it lead to pouring 2 more cups? These are areas where we have to discipline ourselves in. I am not saying you cant drink, but I dont believe it would be wise to drink every day, nor is it showing self-control.
19. Philippians 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
20. Proverbs 25:28 Like a city with breached walls is a man without self-control.
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God Warns Against Addictive Behavior
God gives us clear warnings against behaviors that would hurt our body or mind, such as excess drinking and drug use. God knows these activities will destroy our body, mind, and soul, pulling us away from him and toward earthly ruin and eternal death.
Gods warnings are found in the Bible:
- And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.
- Envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. o
- Be sober-minded be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
- Do you not know that you are Gods temple and that Gods Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys Gods temple, God will destroy him. For Gods temple is holy, and you are that temple.
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For Potential Health Benefits
In addition, 1 Timothy 5:23 discusses alcohols supposed health benefits. The Apostle Paul tells Timothy, Stop drinking only water and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent ailments. While some studies suggest that moderate amounts of red wine may strengthen your heart and gut, these claims have not been proven.
The Bible Warns That Drinking Is Often Dangerous And Unwise
The Bible contains lots of warnings about how tempting and dangerous it is to get involved with alcohol. A wise mother told her son, “It is not for kings, O Lemuel – not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.” And Solomon, one of the wisest men whove ever lived, said, “Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.”
These Bible passages suggest that it is often wise to totally stay away from alcohol since it can be a difficult thing to control. Alcohol can easily seduce you, and before you know it, it controls you. How many girls have had a few drinks and then ended up in bed with a strange man? How many adults have had a few drinks and then ended up in a serious car accident?
These situations are all too common. God is looking out for you when He warns you about the dangers of alcohol and drunkenness. Getting drunk causes you to lose control of yourself and do things – dangerous things – that you wouldnt do if you were sober.
I think it is possible to live a godly life and enjoy a small amount of alcohol. But the person who chooses not to drink at all also lives a godly life, as long as he does it without condemning those who do.
Bravo to those of you who take some time to seek Gods will about drinking and prepare yourselves for the future.
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Jesus & The New Testament
Finally, Jesus Christ drinks alcohol at multiple points in the New Testament.
Notably, John 2:1-11 describes how he turned water into wine at a wedding. Since Jesus is the central figure of Christianity, many people interpret these scriptures as evidence that Christians are allowed to drink in moderation.
Jesus Looked At Them And Said With Men It Is Impossible But Not With God For With God All Things Are Possible Mark : 27
Many times in recovery, the goal of long-term sobriety may seem out of reach or even impossible to achieve. This verse is a reminder that with Gods help, recovery is indeed possible. If what you want seems unattainable, ask God for a little help in navigating the way ahead. Little successes should be celebrated and praise given to the Lord for each of them.
Remember that nothing is beyond possibility when people put their trust and faith in God. Focusing on spirituality has helped many people in recovery from substance use disorders and those with mental health conditions gain a more positive perspective that assists with their overall healing process.
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Alcohol Tobacco And Other Drugs
The misuse and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and prescription medications affect the health and well-being of millions of Americans. SAMHSAs 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that approximately 19.3 million people aged 18 or older had a substance use disorder in the past year.
Be Kind To One Another Tender
Forgiveness is such an integral part of recovery but its also one of the most challenging steps in recovery, not to mention for anyone. But in the pursuit of forgiveness, remember that self-forgiveness and forgiveness of others are equally important. This is one of the most profound Bible verses about addiction since forgiveness is something each person so desperately needs to let go of past hurts and wrongs and live a fulfilling life.
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The Life Of Addiction Is A Life Pulling Away From God
The Bible also accurately describes the addicts situation as he or she becomes controlled by alcoholism. While an addict voluntarily begins using substances to meet a need, they soon become a slave to that substance, continuing to use it even though they dont want to. For what I am doing, I do not understand for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me .
Alcoholism is a daily struggle between what the person knows they should or should not do and what they continue to do. Addiction causes the individual to pull away from God because they put other things above God, they look elsewhere for comfort and help, and they become a slave to that sin.
What Does The Bible Say About Drugs
The Bible has a lot to say about intoxication, sobriety and intentionally harming the body. But it doesnt directly address the disease of addiction because the word addiction wasnt used when the Bible was written.
Some newer translations of the Bible use the word addicted, but the accuracy of different translations is unknown. This article uses the New International Version of the Bible.
The concepts of addiction and dependence only developed in the 20th century, according to a 2007 article published in the journal Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience.
Numerous Scriptures can be interpreted to imply that addiction is a sin, but meanings of Scriptures are debatable. In the first book of Corinthians, were warned that temptations can overpower us, but we are given the resources to overcome those temptations.
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
- No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it
Substance abuse may be one of the temptations that the verse refers to. Alcohol and drug use are relatively common today. Addiction may be considered a temptation. Its difficult for many to bear. But God provides a way out. Rehab and addiction treatment can help individuals overcome the disease, and many people believe spirituality is a key component of recovery.
Other Scriptures are more direct.
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What Does The Bible Say About Alcohol
We all have to make our own decisions about what is morally right and wrong in this world. Most of us would agree that some of the consequences of abusing alcohol, like drunk driving, are wrong. But what about the act of drinking? Is it immoral for people to drink?
This is a question not easily answered, as people have different reasons and sources for their beliefs. Many people look to the Bible as a source of life guidance and for a system of beliefs and values. However, there are many interpretations of the Bible and its verses.
So, what does the Bible say about alcohol? First, it doesnt expressly forbid drinking. It does, however, warn against the use of alcohol. If you need help, seek out an alcohol addiction treatment program today.
