how should i tell my friend to quit drinking?

[esther18]

should i just tell him to quit and not drink at all or occasional drinking is fine? but the Bible says do not get drunk but be filled with the holy spirit!!

 

[justanobserver]

how should i tell my friend to quit drinking?

should i just tell him to quit and not drink at all or occasional drinking is fine? but the Bible says do not get drunk but be filled with the holy spirit!!

hey esther. sorry for not responding to your question. You pose this in a dual way - the physical and the spiritual.

physical: Your telling him depends on some things - is he an alcoholic? does he have a drinking problem? does he acknowledge it? are you two close enough that you can talk honestly and openly about anything in a loving and caring fashion?

spiritual: Is it he may not be an alcoholic or may not have a problem and you dont like him drinking in any form due to your christian beliefs? if its that, I cant say what to do. that is up to him.

Although I cannot ever drink again because I am an a recovering alcoholic and will be the rest of my life - IMHO, I do not think or agree that drinking itself is wrong or sin according the Word. I say this although I am not a christian, I once was years ago and knew the Word.

But this isnt the place to discuss the ethics or good or bad about drinking. I think there is a thread in Ethics still active about it in recent weeks.

SO, I guess if he is an alcoholic and/or has a drinking problem, then if you have that relationship where you can be talk openly - tell him your concerns and help him to get to a meeting. And you go to be supportive.

If he dont have a problem and not drinking to excess/drunkeness, then its up to his personal convictions and personal walk with God.

I hope I helped in some way with an answer to your question.

 

[RuthD]

As you know, not everyone follows the bible. They may want to but may not be able to at the time. We cannot make people quit drinking but we can confront them about their actions when they drink. The best time to do this is when they are not drinking so they remember what was said. You can suggest AA. There is a lot of frustration in trying to make someone quit drinking so we must let go of their problem and make it their own by confronting them then letting go and praying for them. They may or may not quit, too.

 

[UnitynLove]

As you know, not everyone follows the bible. They may want to but may not be able to at the time. We cannot make people quit drinking but we can confront them about their actions when they drink. The best time to do this is when they are not drinking so they remember what was said. You can suggest AA. There is a lot of frustration in trying to make someone quit drinking so we must let go of their problem and make it their own by confronting them then letting go and praying for them. They may or may not quit, too.

Agreed.

 

[fieldlily]

As you know, not everyone follows the bible. They may want to but may not be able to at the time. We cannot make people quit drinking but we can confront them about their actions when they drink. .

Right, the only one who can decide to quit drinking is the person themselves. They have to admit there is a problem, and they have lost control and need help (like A.A.) and that is a very hard thing to do as most alcoholics live in denial.

It doesn't work to just ask them or tell them to quit. But you
can tell them how their drinking behavior effects you.

Whatever, it doesn't pay to cover for them or make excuses for their drinking.

Also..praying for the alcoholic is a priority. believing God's mercy and grace to convict them and admit they have an addiction.