Addictions are as old as human history. As long as substances of abuse have existed, people have fallen into the temptation and ended up as addicts. The Bible has lots to say about addiction. It can be a source of inspiration for anyone who is struggling with addiction of any kind. Let’s take a look at some of the scriptures that address the issue of addiction:
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it”
The above scripture is a great reference on the topic of addiction. Most of the daily devotions for recovering addicts are either based on or refer to this verse. This scripture highlights two important truths about addiction. First, you are not alone in the journey – many others are currently or have walked your path. Secondly, the verse makes it clear that God always makes a way of escape. This is an encouragement for all recovering addicts that God offers a solution to any addiction no matter the severity of the case.
1 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.”
There is a misguided notion in the church that God may have caused some people to be addicts as a lesson or for some other reason. The scripture above makes it clear that God is not to blame for any addiction problem. Throughout the Bible, God emphasizes how sin causes destruction. The verse above underscores the danger of heeding the pleasures of the world instead of being guided by the love of God. The world leads many astray including the addiction to substances. But God offers a way out because he wants his children to enjoy abundant life.
1 Thessalonians 5:6-8
“Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.”
The scripture above emphasizes the need to be awake and clearheaded. Apostle Paul was writing to the Thessalonians to give them some guidelines on how to lead a Christian life. In the verse, he compares light and dark to being asleep and awake to urge them to stay alert and self-disciplined. He admonishes the church not to get into complacency and idleness but rather to apply their faith.
The scripture can be a great source of inspiration for anyone in addiction recovery. It is an admonishment to avoid complacency because that is how one stays addicted. It’s also an encouragement to be alert and watch out for whatever may exacerbate the problem.
Ephesians 5:18-20
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”
This passage discourages intoxication and urges being “filled with the Spirit.” It demonstrates the importance of relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome alcohol and other forms of addiction. The verses also talk about singing and expressing oneself with others. This underscores the importance of being in a supportive community in your journey to recovery. The last portion of the scripture talks about giving thanks. Thanksgiving can be a powerful tool for recovering addicts, helping them focus on the positive aspects of life and appreciate their progress.
Romans 5:3-5
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
The scripture above is a powerful message about finding hope and strength amid suffering. Even though we naturally don’t expect suffering to be good, the scripture teaches how suffering can be a catalyst for positive transformation – it can push you to be more resilient.
1 Peter 5:8-9
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of suffering.”
This scripture is a reminder for us to be always vigilant because the enemy is always on the lookout for an opportunity to pin us down. This is especially important for recovering addicts who may easily relapse if they give in to the schemes of the devil. Verse 9 reminds us of the importance of resisting the advances of the devil. God has given us the authority to stand our ground and we do not have to give in to every voice of the devil. The verse also reminds us that we are not alone in this – the families of believers all over the world are also going through similar tribulations. There are many other Christians who are struggling with addiction and many are standing firm in faith. That should be a source of encouragement that you are not alone in the journey.
James 1:12
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
The scripture above is a reminder that resistance to temptation is not in vain. At the moment, it may look like an effort in futility – especially when giving up is so easy. But as the scripture demonstrates, those who stand firm and persevere will reserve their reward. The crown of life is often looked at as the promise of eternal life but it can also be interpreted to mean life instead of death. Overcoming addiction is overcoming death because most substances that people are addicted to eventually result in death.
Conclusion
The bible may not necessarily talk about addiction directly but it has a lot to say about substances like alcohol. Additionally, there are lots of scriptures that talk about temptation, faith, and victory which can be applied on the subject of addiction. The scriptures shared above are a good start but you will find many more as you study the Bible.
