TexasCHLforum.com

jlangton wrote:There is absolutely no excuse for physical assault. Using the "I was drunk" excuse is old and worn out. If you cannot control yourself when drinking,then do not drink. If you insist on drinking when you know you have an issue,then you have to deal with the consequences.
JL

I agree that there is no excuse for it. I also firmly believe that we must do what we can to protect ourselves. That is why I carry a firearm in the first place. My only challenge is, for those among us who are absolutely devoted to the teachings of Christ, to what extent are we willing to forgive the trespass if an erstwhile friend gives you a black eye, and to what extent are we willing to heal the relationship if we are willing to forgive. Nothing more, nothing less.

I would be mad as all get out if that happened to me. But I also know what I'm commanded to do by a far more righteous authority than my own. That's what I was trying to communicate.

As I am involved as a leader in the Celebrate Recovery ministry at my church, I have a somewhat different perspective. Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered 12 step recovery ministry for people who desire recovery from whatever has them in bondage. It sounds to me like your friend is to some degree or other in bondage to his alcohol. I realize that my advice might not fit your belief system since I don't know anything about your faith life or even if you have one. And even if you do, I realize that your personal church may not offer this service; but if it doesn't, lots of other churches do.

In any case, my advice would be to A) forgive him for what he did; B) find a church in your area that offers a Celebrate Recovery ministry; C) invite him to go with you to attend a Celebrate Recovery service; and D) keep the relationship alive, but don't incorporate alcohol as a component of your friendship any longer, in the spirit of Romans 14:13 ("Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way".).

Your friend sinned against you. It sounds as if he is repentant and willing to make restitution. I think the right thing to do would be to forgive him, and, not to just forgive him, but go the extra step like Jesus did for us by offering to be part of your friend's redemption.

If you want to know more about Celebrate Recovery, please feel free to PM me.