No one likes to get picked on. I know I never did. Throughout the 7th grade, a bully made a habit of taking my lunch money on my walk to school. This went on for months, until I finally stood up to her.
I’ve witnessed spiritual bullying, as well. And recovery bullying. I actually had a recovery bully early on my journey to sobriety. When I’d admit to another slip or relapse in my 12-Step meeting, this guy would jump all over me after the meeting.
Do you know someone who is struggling with their sobriety? Don’t bully them! Love them!
We read this in one of the shortest books of the Bible: “Be merciful to those who doubt” (Jude 1:22).
Here are three things you can do for the person who is struggling:
- Pray for them.
- Encourage them.
- Help them.
Recovery Step: Be a positive influence on someone in need this week.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
