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For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14 Even in my own drug use, I still looked down on the addicted. Working in the ER, I often met those who came in, not looking for help, but rather seeking pain medications. They were difficult patients,…
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For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13 When I go to my local sandwich shop, I order my sub the way I want it. I get to specify the bread, meat, and toppings that suit…
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For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, . . . Galatians 5:13 In abusing opioid pain medications, I experienced tolerance (needing more and more of the drug) and withdrawal (feeling miserable when I couldn’t use). The withdrawal would last several days, during which…
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A little leaven leavens the whole lump. Galatians 5:9 When I was in kindergarten, we had an art teacher who came into our class just for that hour each week. He wasn’t our daily teacher, and I don’t have fond memories of him – mainly because he didn’t like me much. One day, as we…
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You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?  Galatians 5:7 When I think of toxic people, I think of those who are profoundly difficult in every interaction, creating conflict wherever they go. When I’m forced to spend time with them, I don’t enjoy it and if I can avoid them, I will.…
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Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. Galatians 5:2 The twelve steps of AA teach that we must turn our will over to God if we want our lives and sanity restored. In the disastrous consequences of our addiction, many of us have…
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For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 I grew up in an Evangelical Christian tradition which taught that we’re transformed when we come to Christ. I’m sure that I was never taught that we’re instantly made perfect in our faith,…
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So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman. Galatians 4:31 I remember once reading about a man who had two families in different cities, neither or which knew anything about the other. It amazed me that someone could lead such a double life. In the end of course, his…
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Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? Galatians 4:16 “We’re trying to get you the help you obviously need.” Those are the words that someone spoke to me in the throes of my addiction. It was true and it needed to be said . . . but I hated the one…
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You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. Galatians 4:13-14 I had a sore throat and cough last…
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