A first “fruit” I look for in a “transforming” (Rom. 12:2) addict is RESPONSIBILITY. Is the person taking full responsibility for his/her actions or are they shifting the blame to someone else and/or other things?
Only when we take FULL responsibility for our choices, wrongs, and sins, does healing begin. Proverbs 28:13 tells us to confess and forsake our transgressions and we will find the mercy of God. Mercy is NOT getting what you deserve and is a blessing received through Jesus Christ. Confession is the spoken part of taking responsibility and Forsaking is the action part of taking responsibility.
If you know someone struggling with any type of addiction, encourage them to be accountable, obedient to Christ, and responsible. That’s the first fruit that is produced in a transforming “addict.”
-Mark (challenging myself to be more responsible to the Lord every day – letting my “yes” be “yes” and my “no” be “no”)