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Scripture gives us a clear picture of what it means to love others well:
“Let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.”
— Romans 14:13 (ESV)
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
— Mark 12:31; Leviticus 19:18
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
— Ephesians 5:18 (NIV)
“Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit… You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
— 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NIV)
From the start, God’s Word speaks about wisdom, love, and responsibility —
especially in how we live among others.
And the Church of the Nazarene responds to these truths in both conviction and compassion.
I. A Witness of Love, Not Legalism
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
— Proverbs 20:1 (KJV)
Why don’t Nazarenes drink?
Not because of culture.
Not because of image.
Not to seem more spiritual.
It’s about love — and witness.
The Church of the Nazarene states plainly:
“We call our people to abstain from drinking alcohol, thereby witnessing to the world. From its earliest days, Nazarenes refrained from drinking alcohol, as a witness to transformed lives.”
— Manual, ¶29.3
This isn’t a cold rule.
It’s a living testimony.
It says to the world:
Life in Christ is different — free, redeemed, whole.
But this conviction also flows from compassion:
“Because of the prevalence of alcohol abuse in our world, we ask our people to refrain from alcohol and other intoxicating substances as an expression of self-giving love and solidarity with individuals, families, and communities who suffer pain and trauma because of alcohol abuse and addiction.”
— Manual, ¶29.3
This is a Church that chooses to stand with the hurting —
not apart from them.
We don’t abstain to be better.
We abstain to be with:
- those in recovery
- those grieving a loss
- those still caught in struggle
And when we do, we show this love visibly — as Christ taught us:
“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
— Romans 13:10 (ESV)
II. Grace, Welcome, and Safety
We don’t just say, “Stay away from alcohol.”
We say, “Come in, and let’s walk together in grace.”
The Manual continues:
“We welcome into our congregations those who are struggling with alcohol or other addictions, and in our welcome, we willingly abstain to make our faith community an environment of safety. Our position must be embodied with grace.”
— Manual, ¶29.3
This is not legalism.
This is love that creates space for healing.
This is about people feeling safe to say:
“I’m struggling.”
And hearing back:
“You’re not alone. We’re with you.”
This is the heart of holiness:
to love your neighbor, not just with words, but with your life.
III. What About Other Substances?
The Manual also addresses other intoxicants:
“We call our people to abstain from intoxicants, tobacco, stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens outside proper medical care and guidance, regardless of the legality and availability of such substances.”
— Manual, ¶29.4
This is not about what’s legal or trending.
It’s about what builds up — not what destroys.
“Medical evidence demonstrates that these substances, when used outside of proper medical care and guidance, can be destructive, not just of the body, but of the mind, as well as families, social structures, and communities.”
— Manual, ¶29.4
- Your body matters.
- Your mind matters.
- Community matters.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
— Philippians 2:4 (ESV)
IV. Additional Scriptures That Guide Our Practice
- Proverbs 23:21 — “The drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty…”
- 1 Corinthians 5:11 — “…not to associate with anyone… who is a drunkard…”
- Mark 12:28–34 — “Love the Lord your God… and love your neighbor as yourself.”
In Summary
We abstain not to appear holy — but to live in love.
We abstain not to judge — but to protect.
We abstain not to follow rules — but to follow Christ.
We do this to:
- Bear witness to a transformed life
- Stand in solidarity with the broken
- Create safe places for the hurting
- Love our neighbors as ourselves
This is not just a personal decision —
It’s a shared expression of holiness in love.
We are the Church.
And our lives point to Jesus.
Let’s live in a way that lifts others up —
with grace, humility, and courage.
