Introduction

The main problem that addicts encounter is not the addiction or their need for recovery, but the lack of acceptance within the church. Addicts are people not problems and therefore need to be loved and handled with prayer.

Some important don’ts

Don’t avoid addicts because of ignorance and fear.

Don’t pray over them for deliverance at every opportunity – you need patience.

Don’t give trite answers to their problems, complete with Bible references!

Don’t make them feel threatened or embarrassed by pressure to conform to cultural standards.

Don’t lecture people on where they went wrong.

Don’t desert them when the going gets tough (when they fail, or don’t appreciate what you have done for them).

And some dos

Do love them – we will not last in our ministry if we cannot love the people.

Do try to understand them – being ‘different’ is not wrong.

Do give people time and commitment, backed up with specialist help and advice.

How to love addicts

We can see some key principles in 1 Corinthians 13.

· Love always protects but it does not overprotect. Love protects but releases when necessary.

· Love always trusts but is not easily manipulated.

· Love is always hopeful but does not underestimate the problem.

· Love always perseveres, but does not keep on hitting against brick walls.

· Love gently persuades but it does not force. Let people demonstrate their own resolve.

· Love never fails, never gives up, but does not tolerate long-term compromise with sin. Sometimes we must let people go so they can find God for themselves, in their own way and time.