How Should Christians View Alcohol?

 Around the world, people have different opinions about alcohol.  Some enjoy sharing an occasional drink with friends.  Others choose not to drink at all. Still others drink to the point of getting drunk. What is the Bible's view of alcohol?

1.Is it wrong to drink alcohol beverages?

The Bible does not condemn drinking alcohol. On the contrary, when listing many gifts that God has given us,  the Bible includes "wine that makes people rejoice." (Psalm 104:15) Some faithful men and women mentioned in the Bible drank alcohol beverages. - 1 TIMOTHY 5z;23. 

2. What advice does the Bible give to those who choose to drink?

Jehovah condemns heavy drinking and drunkenness.  (Galatians 5:21) His Word says:  "Do not be among those who drink too much wine."  (Proverbs 23:20)  So if we choose to drink-even in private-we should not drink so much that we cannot think clearly, control our speech and actions, or maintain our physical health.  If we cannot control our drinking, we should willing to stop drinking altogether. 

3. How can we respect the decisions of others regarding alcohol?  

Each person must decide to drink alcoholic beverages. We should not judge someone who chooses to drink alcohol in moderation., and we should not pressure someone to drink whoi does not want to. (Romans 14:10)  We choose not to drink if  our drinking could cause problems for others.  (Read Romans 14:21)  We seek "not [our] own advantage, but that of the other person." - Read 1 CORINTHIANS 10:23, 24. 

Next time: How Should Christians View Alcohol?  Continued

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