Author Alison Giblett. Edited by Claire Carter

Matthew 15:10–20, Mark 7:1–23, Luke 11:37–41, Luke 6:39

“This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”

One of the greatest encouragements from our recent prayer gathering was seeing the genuine desire people have to support one another. As prayer requests were shared, it became clear that many within our network are walking through incredibly difficult situations. Some are carrying heavy ministry burdens, others are supporting people facing heartbreaking circumstances, and many are doing so with limited resources and little recognition.

It reminded us again how valuable these times of prayer are. While we may not be able to solve every problem, we can stand alongside one another before God. Prayer is never “just” prayer. It is one of the most powerful ways we can strengthen and encourage those serving faithfully in addiction ministry across the world.

During our devotional, we reflected on Jesus’ words in Matthew 15:10–20, where He challenged the thinking of the Pharisees by saying:

“It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” (Matthew 15:11)

The religious leaders had become consumed with outward behaviour, rituals and appearances. Jesus redirected everyone’s attention to something far deeper—the condition of the heart.

He explained that it is from within that evil thoughts, slander, false witness, sexual immorality and every other destructive attitude emerge. The issue was never simply external behaviour. The real issue was the heart.

This truth has profound implications for those involved in addiction recovery.

It is often far easier to measure the visible things. We naturally ask questions like: Have they attended? Have they completed the programme? Have they stayed abstinent? Have they followed the rules? These things certainly have their place, but they never tell the whole story.

Addiction is so often a symptom of much deeper pain. Behind the behaviours are wounds, trauma, fear, shame, rejection and brokenness that cannot always be seen. If we only focus on outward actions, we risk missing what God wants to heal at the heart level.

As facilitators, leaders and supporters, we are called to look beyond behaviour and prayerfully seek to understand what is happening beneath the surface.

This also means regularly examining our own hearts.

Jesus warned about becoming “blind guides” (Matthew 15:14). It is possible to faithfully serve in ministry while gradually allowing criticism, resentment or judgement to take root within us. We can become so focused on what others are doing wrong that we fail to notice what God wants to address in us.

The Lord reminded Samuel of this same truth when choosing David:

“People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

Perhaps one of the greatest dangers in ministry is comparison.

We may compare those we support with one another. Why is one person progressing while another seems stuck? Why does someone else appear more committed? Comparison often breeds discouragement and reinforces feelings of failure and worthlessness in those already battling shame.

Equally, we can compare ourselves with other leaders and ministries. We may wonder why another programme appears more successful, why someone else’s ministry is growing faster, or why others seem to experience fewer challenges. Comparison can easily lead us towards pride if we think we’re doing better, or hopelessness if we think we’re falling behind.

Neither reflects the heart of Christ.

Instead, Jesus invites us to remain faithful, loving people as individuals and trusting Him with the work of transformation.

One particularly helpful insight shared during our discussion was that people’s overreactions to seemingly small situations can often reveal much deeper pain. A response that appears disproportionate may actually be pointing towards past trauma, rejection or fear rather than simple disobedience or resistance.

Rather than reacting with frustration, these moments can become opportunities to ask compassionate questions and understand the heart more deeply.

When we begin looking through the eyes of Jesus, behaviour becomes less about judgement and more about invitation. We become curious instead of critical, compassionate instead of condemning.

As we continue to pray for one another across the ISAAC network, may God guard our hearts as we seek to care for the hearts of others.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for every person serving faithfully in addiction ministry. Thank You for the compassion You have placed within them and for the privilege of joining together in prayer.

Help us never to become focused solely on outward behaviour. Give us eyes to see as You see and hearts that reflect Your compassion. Protect us from becoming blind guides, allowing judgement, resentment or comparison to take root within us.

Where we have been tempted to measure success by visible results alone, remind us that You are always working beneath the surface. Give us wisdom to recognise the hidden hurts that often lie behind addiction and the patience to walk alongside those You have entrusted to our care.

Strengthen those facing difficult situations today. Encourage the weary, comfort the discouraged and fill every leader with fresh hope. May our words bring life, our actions reflect Your grace, and our ministries always point people towards the healing that only You can bring.

Create in us clean hearts and renew a right spirit within us.

Amen.