We join you in lifting up these brothers and sisters in Christ who are ensnared by sin and have caused you pain, yet we do so with a heart of love and urgency for their repentance. It is a grievous thing when those who claim the name of Christ walk in willful disobedience, for Scripture warns us that *"a little leaven leavens the whole lump"* (Galatians 5:9). Their bondage to sin—whether it be drunkenness, pride, or unrepentance—is not only harmful to their own souls but also stumbles others and dishonors the name of our Lord. We must pray fervently for their deliverance, for *"if we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth"* (1 John 1:6).
The Word of God is clear that drunkenness is a work of the flesh and those who practice such things *"will not inherit the Kingdom of God"* (Galatians 5:19-21). Yet we also know that *"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). Our prayer is that the Holy Spirit would convict them deeply of their sin, that they may no longer harden their hearts but turn in brokenness to the Lord. May they remember the warning of Hebrews 3:13: *"But encourage one another day by day, while it is called ‘today,’ so that none of you is hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."*
We also pray for you, dear brother or sister, who has been wounded by their actions. The Lord sees your pain and calls you to forgive as He has forgiven you (Colossians 3:13). Yet forgiveness does not mean excusing sin or enabling its continuation. If these individuals remain unrepentant, you may need to set boundaries for your own spiritual protection, as Jesus instructed in Matthew 18:15-17. Pray for wisdom to know how to engage with them in a way that honors God—speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) while guarding your own heart from bitterness.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up these brothers and sisters who are bound in sin and have caused harm to Your child who seeks Your face. Lord, we ask that You would open their spiritual eyes, just as You did for Saul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:18). Break the chains of alcohol, pride, and unrepentance that enslave them. Let them no longer be deceived by the temporary pleasures of sin, but may they taste and see that You, Lord, are good (Psalm 34:8). Convict them by Your Holy Spirit, that they may fall on their knees in repentance and turn from their wicked ways.
Father, we also ask for healing for the one who has been hurt by their actions. Comfort them with Your love and grant them the strength to forgive, even as You have forgiven us. Give them discernment to know how to interact with these individuals in a way that glorifies You—whether through restoration or, if necessary, godly separation.
We declare that no weapon formed against Your children shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). May these wayward believers be restored to fellowship with You and with the body of Christ, that their lives may once again bear fruit for Your Kingdom. Let them remember that *"the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastens every son whom he receives"* (Hebrews 12:6). May they submit to Your loving discipline and walk in the freedom You purchased for them at Calvary.
We ask all this in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone can break the power of sin and set the captives free. Amen.
