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January 2023 – SERVING THE ADDICTED AND AFFLICTED

Role of the church in helping addicts

Addiction is generally categorized into substance and behavioral addiction. People struggling with substance addiction are hooked on drugs and alcohol.

While those addicted to behaviors find it hard to detach themselves from compulsive or obsessive habits like shopping addiction, gambling addiction, sex addiction, etc.

Addicts might find it hard to conquer addiction especially if they don’t seek the needed help.

Some of them may end up relapsing several times until they finally stop trying to stop their addictive habit.

Those who belong to a church could be blessed to have their support and encouragement which would help them get better over time.

Teach about addiction

One of the ways the church can help addicts is to teach more about the concept of addiction. Many people don’t know what addiction means, or how it manifests in the human body.

Some of the addicts may not even be aware that they are struggling with an addiction problem. When you teach about addiction, people will be more self-conscious to take steps that will prevent them from getting addicted.

Show care and support

Many addicts don’t have the needed care and support that they need to get better, and this is why some of them have lost all hope.

The church needs to rally around addicts to let them know that they can count on them. This can be done by getting professional help to restore them to sobriety.

Some addicts have failed relationships with their family and friend, which automatically shuts them off from any love they can get from that category of people.

Remind them that God still loves them

A good number of addicts in the church do not believe that God still loves them because of their addicted lifestyle. This is why some of them are likely to be less fervent with their devotion to God because they feel that God has turned his back on them.

The church needs to constantly remind them that God’s arms are always wide open to accept the sinner, even though he hates the sin.

Trusting the power of God for mental health healing

Often, many people struggling with mental health problems do not know where to turn for guidance and help. Some people in the church who are mentally ill are yet to realize that the power of God can set them free irrespective of how chronic their situation may be.

Believe in the supreme power of God

The supreme power of God is sufficient and quintessential for faith, life, and ministry. Believers with mental health problems need to realize that there is no problem that the power of God cannot solve.

For example, someone struggling with depression can get better when they put their faith in God to improve their condition.

Talk to your siblings in Christ

Anyone having mental health problems should not keep it to themselves, they need to reach out to trusted people for help. In this context, it is important to talk to your brothers and sisters in Christ knowing that they will have your best interest at heart.

You need people that can always pray, encourage you, and keep tabs on you. Some of them may even be instrumental in helping you get the right treatment to treat your mental health illness symptoms.

Be fervent in the church community

Getting involved in the church community is another way to trust the power of God for mental health healing. It is important to get involved in church activities because beyond serving God, there is a level of satisfaction and peace you will get each time.

Also, belonging to the church community helps to strengthen your conviction and walk with God. If you don’t feel like praying or studying the Bible, remaining within the church community helps you get better.

Remember to always digest the word of God regularly so that you can build up your faith while trusting God for mental health healing. You can speak the confessions and prayers in the Bible to yourself daily so that they will take root in your life and produce positive results.