What should I do if I suspect addiction in another person’s life?

Galatians 6:1If another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.

As Christians, we are to confront one another with gentleness and humility. Gentleness might mean being compassionate while still speaking the truth in love. Humility may involve recognizing our own limitations and the need to get additional, professional help for our friend.

Matthew 5:15-16“No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Matthew 9:11-12When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.”

1 Corinthians 5:9-11When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that.

1 Corinthians 10:27If someone who isn’t a believer asks you home for dinner, accept the invitation if you want to. Eat whatever is offered to you without raising questions of conscience.

2 Corinthians 6:14Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?

Ephesians 5:11Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.

We should be cautious about peer pressure and worldly influences. If a particular person or situation leads us into temptation, it is often wiser to withdraw. Yet we cannot be a loving witness to unbelievers if we always avoid them. Jesus shared meals with sinful prostitutes and corrupt tax collectors, and many became his followers. Befriending unbelievers caught in addiction could help lead them to God, the One with the power to free them from their addictions. We should pray and seek God’s wisdom in such situations, humbly recognize our own weaknesses, and be open to whatever God is calling us to.