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What Does the Bible Say About Addiction?

What Does the Bible Say About Addiction? Photo

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For as long as addictive substances have existed, people have fallen victim to the condition. The Bible mentions temptation, suffering, and yielding to sinful behavior. It’s vital to remember that love, forgiveness, and redemption are core Christian values. No matter which path you’ve followed, there is always hope and light ahead. There are several passages from the Bible that can provide guidance, reassurance, and insight during the recovery process.

Bible Verses About Addiction

John 2:16

“For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life— comes not from the Father but from the world.”

The Bible discusses temptation in detail; other examples are in the stories of Job and Joseph. God has given man free will so that we are not constricted and make the right choices for ourselves. The world is full of trials and potential stumbling blocks, including drugs and alcohol. To lead happy, fulfilling lives, we must choose the path of God instead of the path of temptation.

Thessalonians5:6-8

“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”

In this passage, St Paul is discussing how believers in Christ must always remain alert and aware of what is going on around them. Self-discipline is integral so that Christians may help others to recognize and understand the word of the Lord. In the Bible, self-discipline and sobriety go hand in hand, a mantra for those who have been through recovery and need to stay on the right path can meditate on.

John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The world is a place that is full of malice, natural disasters, sickness, and tragedy. John explains how faith in God helps us to overcome these obstacles with the knowledge and understanding of what Jesus went through to spread his message. Coping with pain and stress is not easy, but the Bible, along with support groups and therapy, helps us to steady ourselves with healthy coping mechanisms.

Corinthians10:13

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. Godis faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

The Bible teaches something that is also an important lesson in group therapy: You are not alone in facing adversity. Additionally, God has given us the privilege of choice, and we should take this responsibility seriously.

Ephesians 5:18-20

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to Godthe Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Although it does not directly refer to drinking as a sin, one could interpret God’s word to mean we should not be led astray by drinking alcohol – or by substance abuse, in general. More importantly, the bible‘s references to drug abuse and alcohol abuse are something to reflect on as you work to overcome addiction and regain self-control every day of your recovery process.

Romans 5:3-5

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s lovehas been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spiritwho has been given to us.”

In the moment, our pain and struggles often feel like the end of the world. However, when we look back at what we have been through and overcome in life, it becomes clear that these problematic times help to shape us and make us stronger. In times of difficulty, looking to the future can give us hope and peace.

Bible Verses About Recovery

Psalms 18:2-6

"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

1 Corinthians 15:33

"Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character."

James 5:15-16

"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

1 Corinthians 6:12

"I have the right to do anything,” you say–but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to anything”–but I will not be mastered by anything."

Holdfast Recovery is a tranquil, loving Christian rehab in Arizona that has Christian values at the core of its program. Call now at (800) 680-7738 to speak with one of our advisers if you or a loved one is in need of addiction treatment.