Stigma & Relapse

Main Point: Two of the biggest obstacles to finding freedom are stigma and relapse.

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. —Romans 5:3-5

The Church should lead the way in

I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. —Lamentations 3:19-23

Because God’s love never fails, our hope is never

The path to growth and healing is usually not a

Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!”
—John 13:37-38

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” —John 21:15-17

Whenever the Lord raised up a judge for them, he was with the judge and saved them out of the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the Lord relented because of their groaning under those who oppressed and afflicted them. But when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their ancestors, following other gods and serving and worshiping them. They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.
—Judges 2:18-19

There is always more at work than what we can

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. —Ephesians 6:11-13

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. —Romans 8:37-39

Nothing can

Takeaway: What we often see as failures, God sees as opportunities for growth and restoration.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can stigma around addiction prevent people from seeking freedom and healing?

2. In Romans 5:3-5, Paul speaks about suffering producing perseverance, character, and hope. How can our struggles, including relapse, contribute to spiritual growth?

3. How does Jesus’ conversation with Peter in John 21:15-17 illustrate restoration after failure? What does this story tell us about the importance of restoration in the recovery process?

4. What does it mean to “put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11-13) in the context of battling addiction or relapse? How can spiritual preparation help in recovery?

Table Discussion Question: In what ways can we, as individuals or as a church community, better support those who are struggling with addiction or relapse without contributing to stigma or shame?