Growing up in Taiwan, I wasn’t exposed to Christianity until a Christian missionary became a part of my life when I was seven years old. During those early years, I learned songs like “Jesus Loves the Little Children,” which painted Jesus as someone who loved everyone. This concept stuck with me throughout my childhood—Jesus was a loving figure, and that meant I should love everyone too.
However, as I grew older, my relationship with Jesus became more complicated. Under the care of my strict, traditional Asian mother—who was a graduate of Moody Bible Institute—I began to view Jesus less as a loving figure and more as a rule-enforcer. I saw Him as someone who demanded perfection, and my imperfections made me feel unworthy. Without a father figure to help me understand God’s love more deeply, I struggled with shame and guilt. This distorted view of Jesus not only affected my faith but also hindered my path to recovery from addiction.
In this post, I want to explore some common misconceptions about Jesus and how these misunderstandings can keep us from healing, especially when it comes to addiction recovery and mental health.
In today’s world, many people try to use scripture to justify political positions, claiming that certain political parties are more “biblical.” However, the truth is, Jesus’ message transcends any political ideology. His teachings are radical, counter-cultural, and meant to challenge the status quo. Whether you identify as a liberal or conservative, neither political side can fully embody the justice, compassion, and freedom that Christ offers.
If you find yourself holding tightly to the idea that Jesus belongs to a specific political party, it’s worth examining whether this belief is creating division or anger in your heart. For those of us on the road to recovery, harboring resentment or bitterness—whether toward a political party or any other issue—can lead to setbacks. Holding on to such anger may open the door to relapse.
Remember, Jesus’ mission wasn’t about aligning with earthly ideologies but about bringing freedom, healing, and transformation to all people.
Many people struggling with addiction tend to rationalize their behavior, convincing themselves that their actions aren’t hurting anyone. Common thoughts like “It’s not that bad,” or “I’m not doing X, so I’m okay,” are often used to justify continuing down the path of addiction. But the reality is, addiction doesn’t just affect us—it impacts everyone around us.
Jesus didn’t come to simply overlook sin or make excuses for it. He came to call us to a higher standard of living. In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus warns us that just doing “good things” or using His name isn’t enough to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. He says, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” The message is clear: Jesus desires more than surface-level changes; He wants a transformation in our hearts and lives.
This is why addiction recovery requires a commitment to change—no rationalizing or avoiding the truth. To break free from addiction, we must face the hard truths about our behavior and make the choice to pursue healing, no matter how painful or uncomfortable it might be.
Jesus’ message isn’t about holding us back in our struggles; it’s about leading us out of them. Addiction often feels like a deep pit, and when you’re stuck in it, it’s easy to believe there’s no way out. But I can tell you from personal experience, Jesus doesn’t want us to stay in our pain. He wants us to heal, to be restored, and to live a life of freedom and purpose.
Through my journey, I’ve learned that faith, courage, and grace are essential in overcoming addiction. Each day is a step forward, even if it’s just a small one. The key is to trust God’s process and His timing, even when it feels like recovery will take forever.
Faith isn’t about being perfect or never failing—it’s about taking that first step and trusting that God is with you every step of the way. Jesus offers us healing and freedom through His love, but we must choose to believe in His power to transform our lives.
Whether you’re just beginning your journey or have been fighting addiction for years, know that recovery is possible. Jesus isn’t about condemnation; He’s about redemption. When we surrender our pain and struggles to Him, He can turn them into something beautiful.
If you’re struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, know that you don’t have to face it alone. Jesus offers healing and hope for everyone, and it starts with taking that first step toward recovery. Don’t let misconceptions about faith keep you from the healing you deserve.
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