Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy. (1Cor 3:16-17)
As I read this passage, something in me moved. It was the reminder that I knew many in my family, among my friends, and even children of friends, who have struggled mightily with all sorts of addictions, substances they were using to assuage other problems. It also made me think of those I knew who at one time had chosen abortion as a solution to their situation. Substance abuse, gambling, eating disorders, abortion…..none of these made any of them feel better. In fact, they merely presented them with added struggles.
As a mother, and now a grandmother, my heart aches for all of them. Moms are fixers, and though these may not be my own children, I see them as a mother does and I want to heal them. Yet all I can do, I do here, in the quiet of my home. I spend a lot of time in prayer for these children of God, and I continue to do so. Their destruction of the temple God gave them at birth, through the use of addictive substances which change their bodies, has separated them from him. My own motherhood has given me a clearer understanding of Paul’s insight when he tells us they are still lovable to God, infinitely lovable. Paul’s words also help me to be aware of those outside of my family and the struggles they may be encountering. They desperately need reconciliation with Our Lord, and so, I often pray for them using Psalm 46:2: God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress.
So many times, a person in desperation simply needs a reminder that God is there and will help them. He will be their refuge. One thing I have learned in knowing those in this struggle—their greatest need from us is compassion. Prayers and compassion. Some have not recovered, and we leave them in God’s hands, but many have conquered their addiction and now are living good and strong lives with the Lord as their God and their guide. When we encounter a soul who is fighting addiction of any sort, we need to give them the prayers and compassion they so desperately need. You could be the one who, through your simple kindness, love and compassion, saves them from the destruction of their temple and starts them on the path back to holiness and eternal life with God.
