How does God view our substance abuse?

[St. Paul]

Does he forgive us? Is he mad at us? Is he disappointed in us? Is substance abuse even a sin? What do you think?

I always feel ashamed and beg God for forgiveness after I use.

 

[emilie mayer]

If you havr asked Jesus to save you then because of what Jesus did on the cross you are saved. God chastens His children. Its not punishment because Jesus took our punishment for us on the cross. Chastening is discipline. Correction for wrong doing so we grow. Once saved with Gods help we make better choices and turn from sin. If we do sin we have an advocate (Jesus). Sin can put a wedge between us and God. Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us.

 

[Ishraqiyun]

I don't see any reason to believe God dislikes or judges people for using drugs. People who use illicit drugs on a regular basis often do so to treat suffering or what is sometimes called "self medicating". If the said person is suffering then the only response it should invoke is one of compassion and caring not judgement and hate. It's possible the method of treatment isn't the best one around and it might even add to suffering in the long term but that shouldn't bring about anything other than feelings of compassion sympathy either. God is love /compassion.

 

[raggedycamel]

sorry I no longer wish to share my private life with strangers....

 

[raggedycamel]

Sorry I updated this so many times. I added my story, then removed it, then re-added it. I think it might help some people. I hope it can anyway.

 

[RationalChristian]

Does he forgive us? Is he mad at us? Is he disappointed in us?

It depends on how much you are using and how it affects your life and those around you. If you are talking about "drinking 1-2 beers" or "smoking a cigarette or bowl" then no, I don't think that is a sin. Drug and alcohol use is not a sin, but drunkeness is. On the other hand, if that occasional, moderated use causes you to relapse into drunkeness at a later time then that should be avoided as well.

If you're talking about drunkeness, have you sought help? If you get high all the time and don't care about changing, then that's a sin. If you have genuine remorse and are working to change, then God does forgive.

Is substance abuse even a sin? What do you think?

What is "substance abuse"? There is a difference between "use" and "abuse." Why are you using the substance? Are you using it to "get wasted" or are you treating a medical condition such as pain or depression?

 

[Inkfingers]

Does he forgive us? Is he mad at us? Is he disappointed in us? Is substance abuse even a sin? What do you think?

I always feel ashamed and beg God for forgiveness after I use.

"Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." (Gal 5:21)

I would suggest that "drunkenness" includes all "substance abuse"...

 

[StephanieSomer]

"Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." (Gal 5:21)

I would suggest that "drunkenness" includes all "substance abuse"...

True. However, "drunkenness" does NOT include ALL drinking. The very point of "drunkenness" is being un-moderated. The same man who wrote this Scripture by the command of God also wrote, "No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities." And in another place, Christ created wine for the enjoyment of the marriage feast attendees.

Moderation is the key. And, since I agree with your equating alcohol injunctions with other substances, I would not call occasional and moderated use of such other substances as sin. And, from what the Word of God says, neither does He.

 

[Inkfingers]

Keep in mind though that Pharmakoi can be interpreted as witch, sorcerer, shaman, potion maker, or user of drugs....and that is seen in a very poor light in the Bible.

 

[RationalChristian]

Keep in mind though that Pharmakoi can be interpreted as witch, sorcerer, shaman, potion maker, or user of drugs....and that is seen in a very poor light in the Bible.

I have heard the pharmakia argument and think it's incredibly dangerous. If recreational drugs are condemned for this reason, then all forms of prescription drugs are equally condemned (if you want to be consistent). Using this interpretation, a modern anti-depressant is just as much a potion or drug as meth, which is obviously crazy.

Also, it is my understanding that The Bible used this word to refer specifically to the use of drugs to contact the spirit world. Most recreational drug use does not meet this definition. God views these things negatively because of the spiritual and religious way they were used. Not because they are drugs.

Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

This is a very narrow application (someone who is dying or in extreme pain), but it is clear that there is a proper use of alcohol (and therefore drugs as well).

 

[Inkfingers]

I have heard the pharmakia argument and think it's incredibly dangerous. If recreational drugs are condemned for this reason, then all forms of prescription drugs are equally condemned (if you want to be consistent). Using this interpretation, a modern anti-depressant is just as much a potion or drug as meth, which is obviously crazy.

Also, it is my understanding that The Bible used this word to refer specifically to the use of drugs to contact the spirit world. Most recreational drug use does not meet this definition. God views these things negatively because of the spiritual and religious way they were used. Not because they are drugs.

Thr problem there is using drugs for idolatry.....which the drug user could be accused of doing (making an idol of their feelings and appetites).

 

[RationalChristian]

Thr problem there is using drugs for idolatry.....which the drug user could be accused of doing (making an idol of their feelings and appetites).

That is a good point. I had not viewed it in that way before, but that makes sense.