Each of us has an inner program for happiness – how we can be secure, esteemed, and in control. We, however, are unaware that these cannot work for us in the end without making us more and more controlling ourselves. This is an addiction and needs to be broken. “If anyone wants to follow me, let them renounce themselves!” (Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23)
Addiction is, by definition, a self-harming behavior. However, when we understand a God who enters into our suffering, we see that it is that kind of grace through which we are transformed.
Spiritual maturity, love, refuses to punish weakness and failure. This is what Jesus affirmed in prostitutes and tax collectors and what Paul praised when he said, “It is when I am weak that I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Helping one another break the patterns of addiction we have been unaware of is our way of upholding the message of the Gospel.
Romans 1:11-13 “… so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord… I want to encourage you in your faith… I want to work among you and see spiritual fruit.”
