Alcoholism is a complex disease that affects millions of people worldwide. As Christians, we are called to approach alcoholics with compassion, grace, and truth. Here is a biblical overview of how Christians can understand and respond to alcoholism:
Alcoholism is a Sin, But So Are Many Other Things
Drunkenness and addiction to alcohol are clearly warned against in Scripture (Ephesians 5:18; 1 Corinthians 6:10). However, the Bible is clear that all have sinned and struggle with weaknesses (Romans 3:23; Hebrews 4:15). Christians should avoid viewing alcoholism as a moral failing worse than other sins. The church is called to show grace to all caught in sin’s grip.
Alcoholism Involves Both Physical and Spiritual Elements
Alcoholism affects the physical body and brain functions, it is not just a spiritual issue. Christians should recognize the complex biological and behavioral factors involved. AA co-founder Dr. Bob highlighted this, noting that alcoholics are dealing with “an allergy of the body and an obsession of the mind.” Christians should recognize alcoholism’s multifaceted nature.
Look for the Brokenness Behind the Addiction
Addictions often develop as a way to cope with emotional pain and trauma. Christians must resist seeing alcoholics simply as “drunks,” instead looking at factors that may have driven them to find refuge in alcohol. Showing empathy for the wounds underlying addiction makes us more Christ-like (Isaiah 61:1; Matthew 11:28-30).
Offer Hope Through the Gospel
At its root, addiction stems from the devastating effects of the Fall. The answer is redemption through Christ, who frees us from sin’s slavery (John 8:34-36; Romans 6:22). The church should call alcoholics to place their identity in Jesus, not addiction. This hope-filled call to freedom through the gospel is life-changing for alcoholics.
Connect Them to Other Christians in Recovery
Combating alcoholism requires community and accountability. Isolation breeds addiction. Christians recovering from addiction need mentoring relationships with mature believers (Galatians 6:2). Churches can point alcoholics to recovery groups like Celebrate Recovery or Alcoholics Victorious where they can experience godly support.
Encourage Reliance on the Holy Spirit
Lasting freedom from addiction requires divine help. Christians must depend on the Holy Spirit to produce self-control and sobriety within them (Galatians 5:22-23). This is a process requiring commitment and persevering faith. Churches should point alcoholics to resources for Spirit-empowered recovery.
Stress Taking Responsibility for Choices
While alcoholism involves brain changes and environments that enable addiction, at some level alcoholics still make choices to continue drinking. As part of the healing process, they need to take responsibility for the destructiveness of those choices. This is part of the repentance unto life described in Scripture (Acts 11:18; 2 Corinthians 7:10).
Offer Practical and Emotional Support
Alcohol recovery is incredibly difficult and often involves relapse. Christians must show patience and surround alcoholics with practical support like rides to AA meetings or alcohol-free social events. Building a caring community helps counter the isolation of addiction. This models Christ’s compassion for the vulnerable.
Set Healthy Boundaries When Needed
Loving someone struggling with addiction does not mean enabling their self-destructive behavior or allowing manipulation, lying, theft, etc. Mature Christians may need to set firm boundaries to protect themselves or family members. Boundaries should be enforced gently, with an open door to reconciliation (Galatians 6:1-2).
Pray Continually for God’s Intervention
Prayer is one of the most powerful ways Christians can help those battling addictions. We should continually lift up alcoholics before God, asking for healing, deliverance, strength and hope. These prayers are a lifeline connecting them to God’s grace and the power of the Spirit (James 5:16).
Point Them to a Strong Recovery Church or Group
Faith-based recovery programs integrate professional treatment approaches with the power of Christian community. Celebrate Recovery, Alcoholics Victorious, Overcomers Outreach and other Christian recovery groups help alcoholics grow spiritually while quitting drinking. Local churches should steer alcoholics toward these resources.
Focus on Long-Term Lifestyle Changes, Not Quick Fixes
Addiction recovery requires fundamental lifestyle changes over months and years. There is no quick fix. Christians must take the long view, walking patiently with alcoholics through the process of implementing new sober habits, developing new relationships and identity in Christ, and learning to rely on Him fully.
Highlight Examples of Those Now Sober
It can be encouraging for struggling alcoholics to see former addicts now living clean, productive, God-honoring lives. Mature Christians who found freedom from alcoholism should share their recovery stories. This instills hope that with God’s help, sobriety is possible.
Caution Against Replacing One Addiction with Another
Unfortunately, those overcoming alcoholism sometimes transfer their addictive behaviors to something else like food, drugs, shopping, relationships, etc. Christians should gently warn against this danger, encouraging alcoholics to pursue wholeness in Christ rather than a different addiction.
Remember That Some Will Reject Help
Not every alcoholic will positively respond to offers of help and support. This is heartbreaking. In these cases, Christians must release them to God’s hands, praying He will draw them to Himself in His timing (1 John 5:16). We should keep the door open for future reconciliation.
Walk in Forgiveness and Humility
In interacting with alcoholics, Christians must guard against self-righteousness or looking down on them, recognizing our own weaknesses and need for grace (Romans 2:1-3). We should forgive alcoholics when they wrong us, just as God forgives our sins continually (Colossians 3:13).
Point to Christ and His Power to Save
Above all, the church’s response to alcoholism should point addicts to Jesus Christ and His life-changing salvation. Only through yielding their lives completely to Christ can alcoholics find freedom from the slavery of addiction (John 8:31-36). This should be at the heart of our message to them.
Alcoholism is a tragic and complex issue plaguing many people and families. As the body of Christ, the church is called to exhibit both grace and truth in ministering to alcoholics. With prayer, compassion and practical support, we can show them the path to freedom, healing and new life through the power of Jesus Christ.
