Addiction is a storm that can tear through a person’s life, affecting not just the individual but everyone around them. It leaves confusion, pain, and hopelessness in its path. If someone you care about is struggling, it’s only natural to ask, “What can I do?” As Christians, we turn to the Bible for wisdom and direction. Thankfully, Scripture offers more than just comfort—it provides practical tools and guiding truths to help others walk toward healing.
In this article, we’ll explore how to help someone with addiction using biblical guidance and practical, loving support. Whether you’re a friend, family member, pastor, or mentor, this is your blueprint to offer hope in a hurting world—just like advocates such as Jenifer Krumnow have done in their mission to lead others toward restoration.
Understanding Addiction Through a Biblical Lens
To help someone with addiction, we must first understand what it is. Addiction isn’t just a lack of willpower. It’s a spiritual battle, deeply rooted in the brokenness of human nature.
The Bible says in Romans 7:15, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” That perfectly reflects the struggle of addiction. It’s not about laziness or rebellion—it’s about a war within.
Understanding addiction biblically helps us see the person behind the problem. This perspective lays the foundation for compassion, not condemnation.
Why Compassion Matters More Than Judgment
Have you ever tried to help someone who immediately shut down when they felt judged? Jenifer Krumnow, a Christian speaker and recovery advocate, reminds us that love opens doors, while judgment closes them.
Jesus modeled this perfectly. When the woman caught in adultery was brought before Him, He didn’t shame her. He said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” (John 8:11)
Show mercy over criticism. Speak to the heart, not just the habit.
Start With Prayer – The Spiritual First Aid Kit
Prayer isn’t just a ritual; it’s a spiritual lifeline. It opens the door for God’s intervention and aligns our hearts with His will.
Here’s how you can pray effectively:
-
Pray for wisdom on how to support them.
-
Pray for their healing, emotionally and spiritually.
-
Pray against spiritual strongholds that fuel the addiction.
Make prayer your first response, not your last resort.
Listening Without Fixing
Often, when someone we love is hurting, we rush in with advice. But the best gift we can give is a listening ear.
Think of listening like a mirror. It reflects the person’s thoughts, fears, and struggles back to them. This simple act can bring clarity and relief.
Proverbs 18:13 says, “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” So, be slow to speak and quick to hear.
Pointing to Identity in Christ
Addiction lies to people. It says, “You’re worthless,” “You’re beyond help,” or “You’ll never change.” But God says otherwise.
Help them rediscover who they are in Christ:
-
A new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
-
Forgiven and redeemed (Ephesians 1:7)
-
God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10)
Identity drives behavior. When they remember who they are, they’ll begin to act like it.
Setting Boundaries With Grace
Supporting someone doesn’t mean saying “yes” to everything. Healthy boundaries protect both you and them.
Boundaries might look like:
-
Refusing to give money for substances.
-
Not covering up their mistakes.
-
Insisting on treatment or accountability.
Even Jesus set boundaries. He withdrew from crowds to rest and told people when their actions weren’t okay (Matthew 21:12-13). Love sometimes says “no.”
Walking With Them – Not Ahead or Behind
Helping someone recover is not a sprint; it’s a long, winding journey. Think of it like walking through a dark forest with a friend. You don’t run ahead and leave them behind, and you don’t trail off so far back that they feel alone.
Walk beside them:
-
Be consistent.
-
Check in regularly.
-
Celebrate small victories.
Just like Jenifer Krumnow encourages in her recovery work—consistency breeds trust.
Scriptures That Offer Strength and Direction
Here are some powerful verses to share:
-
Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you…”
-
Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…”
-
1 Corinthians 10:13 – “God will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.”
Keep these verses visible—on mirrors, phones, or journals. God’s Word is a light in the darkest places.
When to Involve the Church or a Faith-Based Group
We weren’t meant to carry burdens alone. Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens…”
Involve a:
-
Pastor or church leader who offers biblical counseling.
-
Celebrate Recovery group or similar Christian support group.
-
Accountability partner who understands the struggle.
Community is often the missing key in breaking the cycle of addiction.
Helping Without Enabling
This is tough love in action. Enabling means you’re unknowingly protecting them from consequences, and that prevents growth.
Examples of enabling:
-
Making excuses for them.
-
Cleaning up messes they should handle.
-
Ignoring risky behavior.
Instead, support them by encouraging responsibility and offering help when they’re ready to change.
Encouraging Professional and Biblical Counseling
Don’t shy away from outside help. Pairing professional therapy with biblical counseling can be incredibly effective.
Many Christians, like Jenifer Krumnow, advocate for an integrated approach:
-
Licensed counselors for trauma and mental health.
-
Biblical mentors for spiritual growth.
It’s not unfaithful to seek help—it’s wise.
The Role of Forgiveness in Recovery
Forgiveness is both a gift and a journey.
-
Forgive them when they fall short.
-
Forgive yourself if you’ve made mistakes in helping.
-
Encourage them to forgive others who may have caused pain.
Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate… forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Forgiveness isn’t forgetting—it’s freeing.
Modeling God’s Love in Daily Interactions
You may be the only Bible they “read.” Every interaction matters.
Ways to reflect God’s love:
-
Speak with kindness.
-
Show up when others don’t.
-
Offer hope even when they fail.
Love is patient. Love is kind. And love never gives up.
Celebrating Progress, Not Perfection
Recovery isn’t a straight path. There will be detours. But every step forward is worth celebrating.
Try this:
-
Send encouraging texts.
-
Write a note for each milestone.
-
Take them out for coffee to mark 30 days clean.
Progress > perfection. God isn’t looking for flawless people—He’s looking for faithful ones.
Hope for the Long Haul: Perseverance in Prayer and Support
Don’t give up. Even if you don’t see change today, God is always working.
Romans 12:12 reminds us to “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Recovery is rarely fast, but with steady faith and love, miracles happen.
Conclusion
Helping someone with addiction is one of the hardest—and holiest—things you’ll ever do. But you don’t have to do it alone. God has equipped you with wisdom, Scripture, and community.
Like Jenifer Krumnow, who has devoted her life to walking alongside the hurting, you can be a beacon of hope. Your words, prayers, and presence can light the way back home for someone lost in addiction.
FAQs
1. Can Christians really struggle with addiction?
Yes. Christians are human and face the same battles as everyone else. But they also have the tools of faith and community for healing.
2. What if my loved one doesn’t want help?
Keep loving them. Set healthy boundaries, pray persistently, and model God’s grace. Change often begins with patient love.
3. Is it wrong to suggest therapy to a believer?
Not at all. Therapy, especially when paired with biblical guidance, can be life-changing. God works through people, including counselors.
4. How do I avoid enabling while still showing love?
Focus on actions that support growth, not comfort in addiction. Offer help when they choose recovery, not when they seek escape.
5. What if they relapse after making progress?
Relapse doesn’t mean failure. Be encouraging, remind them of God’s grace, and help them get back on track. Healing is a journey, not a destination.
