(see Romans 12:1–2). Explain the value of a life of prayer.
8. If your inquirer is a Christian who has become a victim of alcohol, use the above steps, then share "Restoration," page 17, emphasizing 1 John 1:9 and 2:1.
9. Whatever the situation, urge the alcoholic to seek further counseling from a pastor or psychologist who understands alcoholism or chemical dependence. Many times it is necessary to deal with the underlying causes of the addiction, such as insecurity, guilt, failure, stress, or deviant sexual behavior.
Scripture
"He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13).
"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You" (Isaiah 26:3).
"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36).
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV).
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV).
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:8–9). Other suggested Scriptures: Matthew 11:28 John 3:16 Romans 12:1–2 Romans 14:11–12 2 Corinthians 2:14 Galatians 5:22–23
ANGER
Background
Anger is an involuntary reaction to a displeasing situation or event. As long as anger is limited to this involuntary, initial emotion, it may be considered a normal reaction. It is when we respond improperly to anger—when we either lose our temper or store the anger so that it makes us resentful or hostile—that it becomes dangerous. It is here that the Bible calls us to account.
In discussing anger, we must realize that not all anger is wrong. When the Bible mentions anger, it may be focusing on several different emotions. For example:
• Moses was angry when he saw the unfaithfulness and idolatry of his people (Exodus 32:19).
• When He healed the man with the withered hand, Jesus "looked around at them with anger" (Mark 3:5) because He was disturbed by the Pharisees' stubborn hearts.
• Though not explicitly stated, anger is implied in the attitude and actions of our Lord as He drove the profiteers from the temple (Mark 11:15, 17).
• Anger can sometimes be called for in our response to sin: "Be angry, and do not sin" (Ephesians 4:26).
It Is Scriptural to Control Anger
"A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control" (Proverbs 29:11, NIV). Each person has the right to express his own opinions and to be treated with dignity and respect. At the same time, we should not forget that if Jesus had demanded His "rights," He wouldn't have gone to the cross! The Christian must be careful of his responses, remembering that one's position may be right while the accompanying attitudes may be wrong.
Billy Graham writes: "The Bible does not forbid displeasure, but it sets up two controls. The first is to keep anger clear of bitterness, spite, or hatred. The second is to check daily on how we have handled malevolent feelings. There's an old Latin proverb, 'He who goes angry to bed has the devil for a bedfellow.' Of course, there are many irritations in life. They become prime opportunities for Satan to lead us into evil passion."