Thursday Notes
10/23/25
Welch, Edward T. (2001). "Chapter 5: Speaking the Truth in Love." (pp. 87-115). In Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Publishing (Personal Library)
Welch describes addictions as different from most other problems chiefly because the addict will rarely reach out for help. They almost always prefer covering up their problem (Welch 2001, p. 88). Because of this tendency, identifying an addiction is a difficult task. Observation of changes in work, relationship, spiritual life (Welch 2001, p. 90), physical and emotional health, use of legal drugs (Welch 2001, p. 910, or the presence of drug paraphernalia (Welch 2001, p. 92) serve as clues that addiction may be part of a person's picture.
A confrontation of addictive behaviors is a difficult thing. Welch advises to "so so as one addict to another, pointing the way to freedom" (Welch 2001, p. 93). He reminds the reader that addictive desires are common to all (Welch 2001, p. 94). All are sinners. We all need help and restoration.
Counter to waiting for an addict to reach the worst point possible (hitting bottom), Welch recommends earlier intervention, based on Proverbs 24:11, which counsels more immediate care (Welch 2001, p. 95). He then urges use of a pattern found in Matthew 18:15-17, where confrontation by an individual, then a group of increasing size, is used to attempt to resolve conflict (Welch 2001, p. 96). This approach, done out of love for the person struggling, is appropriate for people of any age or situation. It is essential, in Welch's view, that this be done out of loving concern, with a determination to protect the relationship regardless of the likely hostile reaction of the other person (Welch 2001, p. 97). The relationship will necessarily endure a lot of stress through the confrontation. Caution is imperative. Welch describes a number of potential scenarios and responses which may arise.
Welch returns to his theme of Matthew 18 by moving from individual confrontation to the intervention involving others (Welch 2001, p. 105). The other people should be close friends who are committed to the addict and who have some knowledge of the behavior. The intervention should be carefully and prayerfully planned (Welch 2001, p. 106). Welch lists a number of preparation strategies, then provides a list of some possible options for follow up (Welch 2001, p. 107). He goes on to discuss some of the implications of different follow-up programs.
There is a very real chance that an intervention will fail. Welch encourages his reader not to give up. Further interventions are altogether possible (Welch 2001, p. 110). Protection of those being harmed is frequently called for, as is forceful intervention to save anyone who is immediately endangered (Welch 2001, p. 111).
The battle with addiction is not finished when there has been successful intervention (Welch 2001, p. 113). Welch considers the Christian life to be a daily challenge.
Welch concludes the chapter with questions for ongoing through and study.
10/23/25
Welch, Edward T. (2001). "Chapter 5: Speaking the Truth in Love." (pp. 87-115). In Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Publishing (Personal Library)
Welch describes addictions as different from most other problems chiefly because the addict will rarely reach out for help. They almost always prefer covering up their problem (Welch 2001, p. 88). Because of this tendency, identifying an addiction is a difficult task. Observation of changes in work, relationship, spiritual life (Welch 2001, p. 90), physical and emotional health, use of legal drugs (Welch 2001, p. 910, or the presence of drug paraphernalia (Welch 2001, p. 92) serve as clues that addiction may be part of a person's picture.
A confrontation of addictive behaviors is a difficult thing. Welch advises to "so so as one addict to another, pointing the way to freedom" (Welch 2001, p. 93). He reminds the reader that addictive desires are common to all (Welch 2001, p. 94). All are sinners. We all need help and restoration.
Counter to waiting for an addict to reach the worst point possible (hitting bottom), Welch recommends earlier intervention, based on Proverbs 24:11, which counsels more immediate care (Welch 2001, p. 95). He then urges use of a pattern found in Matthew 18:15-17, where confrontation by an individual, then a group of increasing size, is used to attempt to resolve conflict (Welch 2001, p. 96). This approach, done out of love for the person struggling, is appropriate for people of any age or situation. It is essential, in Welch's view, that this be done out of loving concern, with a determination to protect the relationship regardless of the likely hostile reaction of the other person (Welch 2001, p. 97). The relationship will necessarily endure a lot of stress through the confrontation. Caution is imperative. Welch describes a number of potential scenarios and responses which may arise.
Welch returns to his theme of Matthew 18 by moving from individual confrontation to the intervention involving others (Welch 2001, p. 105). The other people should be close friends who are committed to the addict and who have some knowledge of the behavior. The intervention should be carefully and prayerfully planned (Welch 2001, p. 106). Welch lists a number of preparation strategies, then provides a list of some possible options for follow up (Welch 2001, p. 107). He goes on to discuss some of the implications of different follow-up programs.
There is a very real chance that an intervention will fail. Welch encourages his reader not to give up. Further interventions are altogether possible (Welch 2001, p. 110). Protection of those being harmed is frequently called for, as is forceful intervention to save anyone who is immediately endangered (Welch 2001, p. 111).
The battle with addiction is not finished when there has been successful intervention (Welch 2001, p. 113). Welch considers the Christian life to be a daily challenge.
Welch concludes the chapter with questions for ongoing through and study.
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