We hear your heart and the deep concern you have for your boyfriend’s struggle with alcohol addiction. It is a heavy burden, but we rejoice that he has come to a place of brokenness and a desire for change. This is the first step toward true transformation, and we stand with you both in prayer and encouragement.
First, we must address the foundation of this journey. You rightly pointed him to Jesus Christ, for apart from Him, no lasting change can occur. The Bible tells us in John 15:5, *"I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."* His desire to change must be rooted in a personal relationship with Christ, not just a temporary resolve or reliance on human strength. If he has not yet surrendered his life to Jesus, this is the most critical step. Salvation is not just about turning from sin but turning *to* Christ, who alone can break the chains of addiction. We pray that he would confess his need for a Savior and invite Jesus into his heart, for *"if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new"* (2 Corinthians 5:17).
As for your role as his girlfriend, your support is valuable, but it must be grounded in wisdom and biblical boundaries. You cannot be his savior—only Jesus can fill that role. Encourage him to seek accountability through a local church, a biblical counselor, or a Christ-centered recovery program like Celebrate Recovery. Proverbs 15:22 says, *"Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established."* His battle with addiction is not one he should face alone, and professional or pastoral guidance can provide the tools he needs.
We must also gently but firmly address the nature of your relationship. The term "boyfriend" implies a romantic involvement that, while perhaps well-intentioned, may not be honoring to God if it is not leading toward marriage. The Bible calls believers to pursue relationships with the goal of godly marriage, not merely companionship. 2 Corinthians 6:14 warns, *"Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?"* If he is not yet a believer, your relationship should be focused on leading him to Christ, not deepening emotional or physical ties that could lead to temptation or compromise. If he *is* a believer, then your courtship should be marked by purity, prayer, and a shared commitment to honoring God in all things.
Sexual purity is another area that must be guarded. If your relationship has involved physical intimacy outside of marriage, this is fornication, and it grieves the heart of God. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 says, *"Flee sexual immorality! ‘Every sin that a man does is outside the body,’ but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."* Repentance and a commitment to purity are essential for both of you. If marriage is the godly goal, then your relationship should reflect that with holiness and self-control.
We also lift up your own heart before the Lord. You mentioned wanting to return to Jesus, and this is a beautiful thing. James 4:8 says, *"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."* Your own walk with Christ must be strong and vibrant if you are to be a godly influence in his life. Spend time in prayer, in the Word, and in fellowship with other believers who can encourage and strengthen you.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this young man who is struggling with addiction. Lord, we thank You that he has come to a place of brokenness and a desire for change. We ask that You would draw him to Yourself, that he would surrender his life fully to Jesus Christ. Break the chains of addiction, Lord, and fill him with Your Holy Spirit. Give him a hunger for Your Word and a community of believers who can walk alongside him in this battle.
Father, we also pray for this young woman who loves him and wants to support him. Give her wisdom, discernment, and strength. Help her to point him to You, not to herself, and to set godly boundaries in their relationship. If it is Your will for them to be married, prepare their hearts and guide their steps toward that holy union. If not, give them the courage to trust You with their futures, even if that means separate paths.
Lord, we ask for purity in their relationship. Forgive them for any sin, and help them to walk in holiness. Surround them with godly counsel and accountability. Heal their hearts, restore their souls, and let Your will be done in their lives. We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.
We encourage you both to seek out a local church where you can grow in faith and find support. If you do not have a church home, ask the Lord to lead you to one where the Word is preached faithfully and the people love Him deeply. Addiction is a fierce battle, but with Christ, all things are possible. Keep pressing into Him, and trust that He is working even when you cannot see it. *"Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ"* (Philippians 1:6).