Editor’s Note – 2025 Update
As conversations around faith-based recovery deepen, the timeless words of Jesus remain our greatest guide. This updated article expands on key Scriptures and adds new clarity for those seeking freedom from addiction. Whether you are in recovery or supporting someone who is, Jesus has something to say to you, and it is rooted in hope.
A Warped View of God Can Hinder Recovery
Outside of biblical truth, it is easy to form a distorted view of who God is. Pop culture often paints Him as a distant figure who watches from afar but rarely gets involved. If we believe that, we might wonder what role Jesus could possibly play in something as personal and painful as addiction.
But Scripture tells a different story. Jesus is not removed or indifferent. He is deeply invested in our healing spiritually, physically, and emotionally.
Jesus Proclaims Freedom and Recovery
In Luke 4:18, Jesus outlines His mission on earth, and recovery is central to it:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free.” (NIV)
While His miracles often focused on physical healing, the principle applies to addiction as well. Addiction is a form of captivity. Jesus came to set people free.
Recovery Requires a Willing Heart
One of the most powerful recovery moments in Scripture is found in John 5. Jesus encounters a man who had been disabled for 38 years. Instead of healing him immediately, Jesus asks, “Do you want to get well?”
That question cuts to the heart. Recovery is not something Jesus forces on anyone. It requires willingness. If we are still chasing our addiction, we are not ready for true healing.
But if we genuinely want to get well, Jesus responds. He tells the man to “Pick up your bed and walk,” and the man does. The healing was both physical and spiritual, and it started with a choice.
Why Jesus Is Called the Great Physician
In Matthew 9:12, Jesus makes a bold statement:
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” (NIV)
Addiction is more than a behavior. It is a sickness of the body, mind, and soul. Jesus came to heal every part of us. A Christ-centered approach to recovery recognizes that spiritual renewal is inseparable from emotional and physical restoration.
Why Faith-Based Recovery Works
At Good Landing Recovery, we embrace the truth that full recovery includes more than therapy or behavior change. It includes surrender. Jesus heals holistically, not partially.
Here’s how a faith-based approach aligns with His teaching:
- Restores identity. Recovery with Christ reminds you who you are, a child of God, not a failure.
- Strengthens resolve. Prayer, Scripture, and community give strength that self-will alone cannot provide.
- Replaces shame with purpose. Jesus does not just forgive, He redeems your past and uses it for good.
Frequently Asked Questions
What verses in the Bible talk about recovery?
Key verses include Luke 4:18, John 5:6–9, and Matthew 9:12. These show Jesus actively healing, restoring, and inviting people to freedom from all forms of bondage.
How does faith in Jesus help addiction recovery?
Faith offers hope, identity, and strength that self-help methods often cannot. Belief in Christ brings power through prayer, Scripture, and spiritual community, all of which are essential to lasting transformation.
Does Jesus really care about addiction?
Absolutely. While the term “addiction” is not used in the Bible, the patterns of bondage, destruction, and healing are all present, and Jesus addressed them head-on through His teachings and miracles.
Pick Up Your Mat and Walk
If you feel stuck, ashamed, or unsure that change is even possible, remember this: Jesus has not forgotten you. Your addiction does not disqualify you from His love. In fact, He came specifically for people like you.
At Good Landing Recovery, we see firsthand how Christ’s power transforms lives. Healing is possible. Freedom is available. And your journey can begin today.
Reach out. Pick up your mat. Walk. We will walk with you.