Are sex addicts the only people who bring trauma to the lives of those they love?
Tony Campolo offered the following perspective: “Each of us comes into the world with a predisposition to inflict pain on those who love us the most.”
This is confirmed by Scripture. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
So no, addicts are not the only people who inflict pain on our loved ones. We are just really good at it. But don’t miss the bigger point. We aren’t sinners because we sin; we sin because we’re sinners.
It is the sin nature that is shared across the human spectrum that gets us into trouble. But there’s good news – for every sin, there’s a Savior.
Recovery Step: If you are tired of inflicting pain on those you love, pour your heart out to God. Ask him to cleanse you of your sin.
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.
