Friday, January 05, 2007

The Christian who does wrong

Some comments came out of my last post that I felt I needed to cover in a post all their own. Dream Writer talked about the pain she feels about her mom, someone who has faith in God, yet self-medicates with alcohol. Bipolar Girl talked about believing in God, yet the need to deal with the excruciating pain that prompts her to use alcohol to withstand it. She believes God would forgive and be ok with her doing that. I conferred with my cool guy pastor to help me sort this out.

The big thing is that God loves us, no matter what. He is not into condemning people for the bad stuff they do, but that doesn't mean that he wants us to keep doing it either. He loves the sinner, but hates the sin. In John 8:3-11 there is a story about a woman who was caught in adultery. Can't tell the whole story here (look it up, it's neat). Jesus ends up telling her that he doesn't condemn her but says, "Go now and leave your life of sin."

God sent his son to save (or rescue) us from the harm and danger caused by our sins. He doesn't okay sins like over-drinking. Addictions cause great problems. There is medicine for bipolar disorder, but there is no medicine to treat addictions. To drink too much or take drugs is playing with fire. God would never accept that, no matter how much we're suffering.

God is always ready to forgive. He understands our pain - in fact, he feels the pain with us. But that doesn't mean we should do things that are bad for us. We can learn to trust him - to learn to grasp how great his love for us is. This will provide us with peace and comfort. He can help us live with our disorder.

Next instalment (I hope) will be: What is the difference between living by the faith and living by faith? Does that confuse you? It's actually quite simple, but they are two very different things.

(We are packing for a trip - leaving on Jan 8th and coming back on the 18th. Will so miss you all.)

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Marja,

I want to thank you. So Much!

You carried me.

I realized, during this recent episode, how crucial it is that I have strong prayer warriors in my support group. When the illness is active and plays with my mind, I NEED you to intercede for me.

Please thank the group at your church for me.

God did calm the storm.

I do have a doctor, and my parents have had a chance to realize all that is happening.

And, I am stable.

Thank you, so much.

I love you,
jessica

marja said...

God carried you, Jessica. Our group only brought you before him. I'm so glad you're doing well.

bipolar_girl said...

I can see where Dream is coming from when she posted those comments.It must be so heart wrenching for her to see her mom drink herself to death. maybe she could involuntarily commit her to a drug rehab or something.her mom needs help badly and fast.

I have stopped drinking and I swear not to try pot again ever. I'll try to pray more instead of self-medicating when things get rough.Actually, the doctors have a medical term for this: MICA or Mentally Ill Chemical Abusers. God help us all.

marja said...

Bipolar girl: Good for you! I will support you in any way I can to follow through.

Besides prayer, there are many things in the Bible - spiritual jewels for us - that can help us cope with our episodes. For example, fear is a big part of what we deal with when our symptoms arise. Philippians 4:6-7 has helped me:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Bleeding Heart said...

Thanks Marja - You are so sweet and inspirational:) Thanks for your genuine concerns and care....