I ONLY DRINK SOCIALLY... Josimar Salum

I ONLY DRINK SOCIALLY ...

Josimar Salum

No one can be cured of an illness or freed from sin without lucid knowledge of his problem.

One must be very honest to admit his own sin and very intelligent to admit having a disease like alcoholism.

“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.  Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble." Proverbs 28:13‭-‬14

An online page at Albert Einstein Hospital brings these questions and advice:

HAVE YOU ALREADY FELT YOU SHOULD REDUCE DRINKING?

DO YOU BECOME ANGRY WHEN SOMEONE CRITICIZES YOUR DRINKING HABITS?

HAVE YOU FELT GUILTY FOR DRINKING?

HAVE YOU EVER CONSUMED AN ALCOHOLIC DRINK IN THE MORNING?

If one of the questions has the answer YES, it is a sign that it is necessary to investigate the matter further.

ALCOHOLISM is characterized by an uncontrollable desire to drink, lack of control when trying to stop drinking, tolerance to alcohol (increasing doses to feel the effects of drinking) and physical dependence, which manifests itself with physical and psychological symptoms in withdrawal situations.

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19‭, ‬21 

“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise." Proverbs 20:1 

“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat,  for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags." Proverbs 23:20‭-‬21 

“Woe to those who are champions in drinking wine and masters in mixing drinks,” Isaiah 5:22

“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?  Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.  Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly!  In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.  Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things.  You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging.  “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?” Proverbs 23:29‭-‬35 

“Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk, so that he can gaze on their naked bodies!  You will be filled with shame instead of glory. Now it is your turn! Drink and let your nakedness be exposed ! The cup from the Lord ’s right hand is coming around to you, and disgrace will cover your glory." Habakkuk 2:15‭-‬16 

If you are overwhelmed by alcoholism (can't live without using a dose of strong drink for more than 40 days) you seriously need help. It is necessary to cry out with all your strength for liberation. It is necessary to recognize the sin of drunkenness to be born again. God's love for you is so great that you cannot ignore His call to set you free.

“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit," Ephesians 5:17‭-‬18 

“If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval." Romans 14:15‭-‬18 

#ASONE

Translated by: Filipe S. Gouvea