Biblical Recovery

[cmc]

God's word is all about recovery! Very clear lessons on actual abuse of alcohol and dealing with issues pertaining to behaviors that 'go with' the disease are found throughout His book to us.


Proverbs 20
1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;
whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

2 A king's wrath is like the roar of a lion;
he who angers him forfeits his life.

3 It is to a man's honor to avoid strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel.

Proverbs 22:24-25 (KJV):
24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

Proverbs 22:24-25 (AMP):
24 Make no friendships with a man given to anger, and with a wrathful man do not associate,
25 Lest you learn his ways and get yourself into a snare.

We are instructed to be careful not to sin when angry. God's warnings against anger are given throughout the bible. He warns us to protect us from becoming overcome by a destructive force.

As we all see and hear on the news, anger seems to be a very 'contagious' emotion. Riots at political and sporting events are perfect examples of this behavior.Perhaps even moreso than love or fear, our nature is more susceptible to 'catch it' from others, situations in our lives and our own struggles and frustrations as well.

How may we protect ourselves? How may we rise above this?
God loves us so much that He gives many 'tips' in His word to help us avoid this sin.

Proverbs 4
Wisdom Is Supreme
1 Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction;
pay attention and gain understanding.

2 I give you sound learning,
so do not forsake my teaching.

3 When I was a boy in my father's house,
still tender, and an only child of my mother,

4 he taught me and said,
"Lay hold of my words with all your heart;
keep my commands and you will live.

5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
do not forget my words or swerve from them.

6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will watch over you.

7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, [a] get understanding.

8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you.

9 She will set a garland of grace on your head
and present you with a crown of splendor."

10 Listen, my son, accept what I say,
and the years of your life will be many.

11 I guide you in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths.

12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble.

13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life.

14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
or walk in the way of evil men.

15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
turn from it and go on your way.

16 For they cannot sleep till they do evil;
they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.

17 They eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.

18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what makes them stumble.

20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.

21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;

22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body.

23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.

24 Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.

26 Make level [b] paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.

27 Do not swerve to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.

I must continually keep watch to avoid the destructiveness of anger, and to keep my heart free of resentments, not just because it is displeasing in the sight of God to display. I am thankful for the fact that it is God's desire that His children not suffer the effects of sin and wants us to realize a glorious freedom!

[best]

Originally Posted by cmc

God's word is all about recovery! Very clear lessons on actual abuse of alcohol and dealing with issues pertaining to behaviors that 'go with' the disease are found throughout His book to us.

After a year of reading the bible, front to back, and the bible studies I attended over that year, I came to realize that the changes in me and the wisdom that the 12 steps used in many recovery programs aligned. I found the steps in the bible and found my recovery. After I had seen that the 12 steps and the lessons I had learned from the bible parallel one another, my fondness for AA grew.

I often tell people that even if they don't accept God, the lessons found in His word are a wise way to live life. Proverbs give so many answers to the troubles of life. 31 Proverbs and most months have 31 days...a Proverb a day.

A verb is an action word. A proverb helps a verb. (memory of an English lesson from grade school *LOL*)
With that it is no wonder that the Proverbs found in God's word can and will help us in our daily actions.

[mygirls_mylife]

I believe that as well. The Bible is a good book with a good way to live your life. I compare it to "our" Bible the Big Book. Even if your'e not an alcoholic the BB is a really strong book that shows us how to live our lives.

[best]

Originally Posted by mygirls_mylife

I believe that as well. The Bible is a good book with a good way to live your life. I compare it to "our" Bible the Big Book.

Yes many areas parallel between the two. What I found through reading God's word is a deeper joy then I ever knew. I find that areas that the BB may not cover are addressed as well, so I am getting the benifits of the BB as well as answers to other parts of life also.

[cmc]

I often tell people that even if they don't accept God, the lessons found in His word are a wise way to live life.

This reminds me that those who try to practice biblical principles in business, family or any other aspect of life are usually very successful. I like the description 'biblical laws' to describe how this works. Another way to look at is to follow the Creator's manual!