Denial is a powerful defense mechanism that can prevent us from seeing the truth about our behaviors, relationships, and spiritual condition. For those struggling with addiction, denial often manifests in statements or beliefs like, “I’m not addicted” or “I can stop any time I want.” Through Bible verses about denial, Scripture addresses this tendency toward self-deception and calls us to honest self-examination and accountability.
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Denial and Bible Verses About Intoxication
If your loved one is trying to figure out if they’re in denial, consider that the Bible warns against some of these activities altogether, such as intoxication. We’ve actually covered intoxication in a few blog posts already: What Does God Say About Alcohol?, Is Drinking Alcohol a Sin?, Is Doing Drugs a Sin?, What Does God Say About Drugs?, What About Legal Marijuana?, and Is Addiction a Sin?. Scripture provides clear warnings about intoxication and other closely connected behaviors:
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” – Ephesians 5:18
“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” – Proverbs 20:1
“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” – Proverbs 23:20-21
“Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night til they are inflamed with wine.” – Isaiah 5:11
“Be sober-minded…” – 1 Peter 5:8
In Galatians 5:21-22, Paul is explaining the difference between walking in the flesh vs. walking in the Spirit. As Christians, we’re commanded to walk in the Spirit, so this is a helpful bit of information for any believer. Listed among the acts of the flesh that obviously show that we’re not walking in the Holy Spirit are debauchery and drunkenness. Then, Paul contrasts these activities with the fruit of the Spirit. One of those is self-control. Elsewhere, Paul writes:
“Let us behave decently… not in carousing and drunkenness…” – Romans 13:13
“… nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:10
While you wouldn’t say that these are necessarily explicit Bible verses about denial, they may be helpful to show someone that what they’re doing is not in line with God’s will according to His Word.
What to Do if a Professing Believer Is in Denial
One of the first (and ongoing) steps is to pray. James 5:16 tells us, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
If the loved one who is in denial is a professing believer, Scripture provides specific guidance for how to approach them. We don’t gossip about them, but instead, we must approach them privately first, as Jesus explains in Matthew 18. If they won’t listen to you, take one or two others along.
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along.” – Matthew 18:15-16
You may want to show them some verses from the previous section, if applicable. If your loved one still won’t listen after you approach them privately and then again with one or two witnesses, it’s time to bring the matter to the church.
“And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church, and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as the Gentile and the tax collector.” – Matthew 18:17
What to Do if a Non-Believer Is in Denial
Here are some of the basic steps to follow if your loved one does not profess to be a Christian:
- As mentioned in the previous section, pray for them consistently (James 5:16).
- It’s okay to ask them to leave your home if their behavior is causing strife (Proverbs 22:10).
- Never give up praying. The parable of the prodigal son is a good illustration of why we should not give up. In Luke 15:20, we see that the father of the prodigal son had been looking for his son to return and was waiting to receive him with open arms.
- Trust in the Lord. Lamentations 3:25-26 says, “The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.”
The Role of Interventions in Breaking Through Denial
Sometimes, denial is so strong that a formal intervention becomes necessary to help someone see the truth about their addiction. LINKS Christian drug rehabilitation programs help clients break through denial by using Bible verses about denial alongside therapeutic techniques to help individuals see the truth about their condition and begin genuine recovery based on honesty and accountability.
Whether you’re looking for faith-based intervention services for a loved one or addiction treatment for yourself, you can call Christians Drug Rehab’s LINKS program at (866) 434-1330 for help today.
Get Help Today
Help and healing are possible through our Christian rehab programs.
If you are ready to take the next step and learn more about how a Christian rehab center can aid in your recovery, feel free to reach out to us at any time.
FAQs About Bible Verses and Denial
What if someone uses Bible verses about denial to justify their behavior?
While some may try to lovingly explain to them that they are using Scripture out of context, it is typically better to gently but firmly steer the conversation back. In other words, don’t let them steer the conversation down a rabbit hole. Stay on message, and remember to pray before you speak to them and ask the Holy Spirit to speak through you, to soften your loved one’s heart, and to allow them to be receptive.
How do I know if I'm in denial about my own problems?
Be in prayer and be in God’s Word daily. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (NLT). It can also be extremely helpful to ask a more mature Christian in your church to disciple you. Christian counseling or meeting with one of the leaders in your church can also be extremely helpful, as you can ask them to help you examine your behavior through the lens of God’s word.
What if my loved one in denial won't listen to Scripture?
Continue praying and asking other people in your church to pray. A great resource that will guide you scripturally through this situation is Divine Intervention: Hope and Help for Families of Addicts by Mark E. Shaw. Shaw not only addresses how to make sure that you are not enabling your loved one, but he also gives detailed, practical, and biblical steps for helping an unwilling addict.
Can a Bible verse about denial help me admit my own problems?
Scripture can absolutely illuminate areas of self-deception in your life. Pray and ask the Lord to expose any sinful behavior you might have, and saturate your life in God’s Word so that it begins to guide your whole life. See 2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 4:12, Psalm 19:7-10, and Psalm 119:11, 18, 33, and 34.