For God so Loved the Addict
John 3:16 Series
John 3:16 is quite clear God loved the world so much that he sent his son to die for us. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus speaks to all who are burdened:
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (ESV)
Addiction and substance abuse are among the heaviest burdens a person can bear. I have family members who struggle with addiction, I have had church members battling it, and I have worked with incredible ministries, including one in my local area—Earthen Vessels Womans Recovery. One thing I know for certain is that addiction controls everything in a person's life. It destroys everything it comes into contact with.
I have seen mothers and fathers lose custody of their children. I have seen addiction tear apart marriages. I have seen it devastate people's physical health.
But here’s the truth: those who struggle with addiction are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). They have value and worth. Like all of us, they are searching for hope and freedom from the weight of this world. The difference is that they have sought salvation in substances rather than in Christ.
While not everyone is an addict, we all long for relief. We seek it in what the Bible calls idols—things we put in the place that rightfully belongs to the Lord (Exodus 20:3-5). It doesn’t matter whether that idol is drugs, money, sex, popularity, or relationships—none of them will satisfy. Instead, they will disappoint and lead to destruction (Proverbs 14:12).
But the message of Jesus to the addicted, to the weary, to all of us—is this: there is freedom in Christ.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36).
Jesus calls us to lay our burdens at His feet, and He promises to set us free. If you or someone you know is looking for freedom, I encourage you to find a Christ-centered recovery program and get connected to a local church.
If you live near me in Liberty County, I highly recommend Earthen Vessels Women’s Recovery. I have linked to their website, where you can sign up if you need recovery or donate if you want to support life change.
If you are outside my area, reach out to me—I would love to help you find a place.
God loves you so much that He sent His Son to rescue you and set you free (John 3:16). There is hope. There is healing. And there is rest in Jesus.
Click Here to go to Earthen Vessels Website.