We join you in lifting up these fellow believers who are struggling in unrepentant sin, and we are deeply grieved by the pain they have caused you. It is heartbreaking when those who claim the name of Christ remain bound in sin, refusing to acknowledge their wrongdoing. Yet we know that God’s heart is for their repentance and restoration, for He does not delight in the death of the wicked but desires that all would turn from their ways and live (Ezekiel 18:23). We also remember the warning in Hebrews 12:15 to ensure that no root of bitterness springs up among us, defiling many. Your heart for them is commendable, and we will stand with you in prayer, trusting that the Holy Spirit will convict and transform them.
The Word of God is clear about the dangers of drunkenness and the harm it brings. Ephesians 5:18 commands us, *"Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit."* Proverbs 20:1 warns, *"Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise."* When believers persist in such sins, they not only harm themselves but also grieve the Holy Spirit and wound the body of Christ. The apostle Paul urges us in 1 Corinthians 5:11, *"But as it is, I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who is called a brother who is a sexual sinner, or covetous, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or an extortionist. Don’t even eat with such a person."* While this does not mean we cut off all contact, it does mean we must not enable or ignore their sin but instead call them to repentance with love and truth.
We also recognize the pain you have endured from their actions. Jesus understands your suffering, for He too was betrayed and wounded by those close to Him. In Matthew 18:15-17, He gives us a clear path for addressing sin within the body of believers: *"If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector."* This process is not about condemnation but restoration, and it must be done in love and humility, always seeking their return to righteousness.
Let us pray together for these brothers and sisters, that the Lord would break the chains of sin in their lives and bring them to true repentance. We pray that they would no longer harden their hearts but instead surrender fully to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. May they experience godly sorrow that leads to repentance, not to be regretted, but resulting in salvation (2 Corinthians 7:10). We also pray for your protection and healing, that the Lord would guard your heart from bitterness and fill you with His peace as you trust Him to work in this situation.
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Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up these brothers and sisters who have strayed from Your path. Lord, You see their hearts, and You know the sins that have ensnared them. We ask that You would open their spiritual eyes to the truth of their condition, that they may no longer be deceived by the temporary pleasures of sin. Convict them deeply by Your Holy Spirit, and grant them the gift of repentance. Let them turn away from drunkenness, from pride, and from any behavior that dishonors Your name. Break the strongholds in their lives, Lord, and set them free to walk in obedience and holiness.
Father, we also pray for our dear sibling in Christ who has been wounded by their actions. Heal their heart, Lord, and fill them with Your comfort and strength. Guard them from bitterness or resentment, and help them to forgive as You have forgiven us. Give them wisdom in how to engage with these believers—whether to confront, to pray, or to step back—always trusting in Your sovereignty.
We declare Your Word over this situation, Lord: *"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:9). May these brothers and sisters come to a place of brokenness before You, where they confess their sins and turn back to You with their whole hearts. Restore them, Lord, and use this trial to refine all of us, that we may grow in holiness and love.
We ask all this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.
