For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
– Romans 1:16
As a recovering alcoholic, I’ve been actively involved in a 12-Step recovery program for several years now. This program has been an incredible tool in helping me stay sober, providing a framework for personal growth and a community of support. Yet, as a devoted follower of Christ, I’ve often wrestled with the tension between the principles of recovery and my responsibilities as a Christian in recovery.
Every time I attend a meeting and share, I introduce myself the way most people do: “Hi. My name is Scott, and I’m an alcoholic.” I do this because it’s important for others to see me as someone they can relate to – a fellow traveler on this journey of sobriety. But as I’ve grown in my walk with Christ, I’ve come to understand something more deeply profound: my identity as a recovering alcoholic isn’t my true identity. My real identity is in Christ, who redeemed me and called me His own (2 Corinthians 5:17).
This distinction doesn’t create conflict for me in most areas of recovery, but it has raised questions in one significant way: Am I bold enough to speak the name of Jesus in recovery meetings?
A Shared Problem, But Not Always a Shared Solution
One of the most beautiful things about the recovery program I’m involved with is the diversity of people it brings together. In any given meeting, you’ll find people from all walks of life, representing various backgrounds, ethnicities, and belief systems. Some identify as Christians, while others are Buddhists, Muslims, agnostics, or atheists. And yet, despite these differences, we find unity in our shared problem – alcoholism.
The tension, however, lies in our understanding of the solution. For some, the program itself is the higher power they rely on. For others, like me, the program is a tool, but my ultimate source of healing and freedom is my relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
While the word “God” is used frequently and openly in recovery literature and meetings, the name “Jesus” often feels like a line that should never be crossed. “God” is a broad, culturally palatable term. But “Jesus”? That’s specific. That’s personal. And for many, it’s either uncomfortable or outright offensive.
Why I Won’t Be Silent About Jesus
As a Christian in recovery, I cannot separate my faith from my sobriety. I would not be sober today were it not for God’s grace through Jesus Christ. While the program has provided me with structure, accountability, and community, it is Jesus who has saved me and continues to sustain me.
Jesus Himself commanded us to share His name boldly, no matter the setting. In Matthew 10:32-33, He says, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.”
When I read these words, I’m immediately reminded that my allegiance to Christ must come before all else – even the social norms of a recovery meeting. While I always strive to be respectful of others’ beliefs, I cannot let fear of offending someone prevent me from sharing the truth of the One who saved my life!
The Power in Jesus’ Name
There is power in the name of Jesus. Acts 4:12 declares, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
When I speak the name of Jesus in a meeting, I’m not attempting to impose my beliefs on others. Instead, I’m bearing witness to the truth of what He has done in my life. I’m sharing my story – one of brokenness, redemption, and ongoing transformation through Christ.
And here’s the thing: people are drawn to authenticity. When I speak about Jesus, I do so because my faith and my story are real to me. It’s my testimony. And while not everyone will accept or understand it, I’ve seen hearts soften and walls come down simply because I was willing to speak His name. That’s not my power. That’s His power.
Balancing Boldness with Love
It’s important to note that speaking the name of Jesus doesn’t mean being insensitive or confrontational. Scripture calls us to share the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). When I mention Jesus in recovery settings, I do so with humility, recognizing that I’m just one person sharing my experience. I’m not there to preach or debate; I’m there to share how my faith in Christ has been the foundation of my sobriety. And if someone has questions or wants to know more, I’m always happy to have that conversation outside the meeting.
Obedience Over Comfort
Ultimately, my responsibility as a Christian is to obey Christ above all else. Acts 5:29 reminds us, “We must obey God rather than human beings.” If I allow fear or social pressure to silence me, I’m putting human approval above God’s call on my life.
So while I respect the diverse beliefs of those in the recovery community, I will not shy away from mentioning Jesus’ name. He is the reason I’m alive today, and to withhold that truth would be to deny the very One who has rescued me.
For those of us who follow Christ, recovery is more than just staying sober. It’s about living a life that glorifies God and points others to the hope and freedom found in Jesus. So if you’re in recovery and reading this, take heart! We can speak His name with boldness and love, knowing that He is always with us – even in the basement of a church with others who may not like what we say, but in whose hearts God might be planting a seed.
Former Blackout Artist 