Within each personal story of the journey from bondage to freedom is the power of the Gospel to save anyone who is lost. We are simply sinners saved by grace and kept clean and sober daily by God’s mercy. When we tell our story we are fulfilling the great commission of spreading the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others. We are encouraging them to take steps to a new life; to loosen the chains by which they have been bound and begin the path along their own healing journey with Jesus who said,
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind; to set at liberty those who are oppressed;” (Luke 4:18 NKJV)
The Bible tells us that if someone struggles we should be gentle and humble as we help them back to the right path. It’s important to remember that we were once slaves to our addiction just as they are now. It could easily be us in the wrong and the one who needs to change and turn from a sinful way. We need to support the desire in the spirit of a person to carry out their new life choices even while their flesh is weak as well as give warnings against ongoing danger.
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV)
We are not the Saviour but we can love others as God loves us. Love goes beyond mere words. Sometimes it is demonstrated in silence, or in an understanding touch, as one comes alongside someone who has strayed from the path of recovery. Love doesn’t accuse but encourages the person to get back on the road and continue the journey. As they move in that direction, our Loving God will show them what needs changing now and how to go about it. And when He (the Holy Spirit) comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. (John 16:8 NLT)
Our mission is to share our own good news of recovery with others. Doing so, in a gentle and humble way invites others to join us in the joy of living life to the full.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10 NIV)
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