Freedom from Oppression

Mike came to Unlock group last week, he is an (on and off) alcoholic. He used to go to church, but he struggled with the congregation and eventually left. Since then he has always associated Christianity and Jesus with being judged for his failings (his addiction to alcohol) - it was wonderful to be able to talk to him about how Jesus loves everybody, no matter how they have lived their lives. Mike struggled with this idea, but wants to talk more. As time goes on I want to think about how Jesus came to give freedom from oppression (including addiction) as well as having some conversations about grace and forgiveness when the time feels right. This is very exciting, but I think it is going to take a long time to journey through all this stuff.