When we struggle with alcohol or drugs and our relationship with God and Jesus, we can feel ashamed and embarrassed. We may also feel like God and Jesus no longer love us because we have fallen into addiction. We can wonder is addiction a sin? However, it is important to remember that Jesus died for our sins. He also preached about love, forgiveness, and redemption.
Understanding Addiction: A Christian Perspective
1 Corinthians 6: 19-20, it says, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
This means we should take care of our bodies and avoid things that could potentially harm it. In John 2: 1-11, we learn about the story of Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding. So, Jesus does not say people cannot drink, they should do so, just in moderation.
God has also provided humankind with the knowledge of developing medicines to treat the sick and infirm. So, God is not saying we cannot take drugs but should only do so when medically necessary.
What Does the Bible Say About Addiction?
When it comes to addiction, the Bible doesn’t specifically use the word addiction. This is because addiction was not a known condition back when the Bible was written. Instead, the Bible provides guidance and reminds us that love, forgiveness, and redemption are all possible in Jesus. Equally important to remember that substances were abused even in Jesus’ time.
Keeping these things in mind, different verses in the Bible discuss protecting our bodies, maintaining self-control, and maintaining our sobriety. The Bible also warns us of the dangers of intoxication and excess. Different scriptures could be interpreted to imply addiction is a sin. Yet, the Bible also offers encouragement and hope by seeking guidance and strength from God and Jesus.
Is Drinking Alcohol a Sin According to Scripture?
The Bible does not discourage drinking alcohol. We can find several passages in the Bible where it says it is okay to drink. Proverbs 31:6 says, “Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress.” Deuteronomy 14:26 says God instructed the Israelites to use money to buy whatever they wanted, including wine and strong drink, and to celebrate at the temple before the Lord.
Yet drinking alcohol is a sin when it is done in excess and leads to drunkenness. If we look at Ephesians 5:18, it states, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
Is Doing Drugs a Sin? Biblical Insights
The question is doing drugs a sin again depends on how they are being used. The Bible does not specifically mention drugs. The Bible does acknowledge the role of doctors in treating sickness and illness. So, using medications is acceptable.
However, if we go back to 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20, taking care of our bodies is important. We can also look at 1 Corinthians 6:12, which says, “I have the right to do anything, you say, but not everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything, but I will not be mastered by anything.”
While Paul was speaking to the Corinthian church about sexual immorality, we can also apply the passage to drug abuse. Abusing drugs is at odds with Christianity, and not everything we do is glorifying to Jesus and God.
Finding Grace and Redemption in Recovery
Finding grace and redemption in recovery through Jesus can be a very powerful source of healing and strength. Some ways in which people can restore their faith in God and Jesus include:
- Forgiveness: Jesus taught about forgiveness for past sins and promoted unconditional love, even when we were sinning. It is important to forgive oneself and let go of feelings of embarrassment, guilt, and shame.
- The power of prayer: Prayer can be a powerful tool that helps people reconnect with God. Prayer also offers comfort, strength, and guidance to help us become empowered to fight off cravings and deal with triggers without returning to substance use.
- Community: The Bible, God, and Jesus all mention that people do not have to struggle alone. They should be able to find help and support in their community. The same is true in recovery with supportive peer support groups and fellowship groups.
- Renewed purpose: Restoring one’s faith can give people a renewed purpose in life for motivation and hope for a brighter future free from addiction.
- Bible study: Studying the Bible and scriptures can help provide wisdom and guidance to overcome challenges and maintain one’s sobriety.
The Role of Faith in Overcoming Addiction
Faith plays an important role in overcoming addiction. It helps people heal and restore their inner strength, mental clarity, and find support from others. It also allows individuals to become better connected to God and Jesus. Faith even leads to discovering a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in one’s life beyond addiction. Equally important, faith provides hope, redemption, forgiveness, and love.
Moving Forward: Embracing God’s Healing Power at Spring2Life Recovery
While addiction is a sin, it does not mean you cannot be saved or redeemed. Spring2Life Recovery offers comprehensive faith-based addiction rehab services personalized to your specific needs. Our caring and supportive team can help you restore your faith, overcome addiction, and start the path to a brighter future. Contact us today to begin your recovery journey with support from God and Jesus.
