Ephesians 5:18 NKJV And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,

One of the most asked questions from believers is, “Can we drink?” The short answer is, yes. There are some who try and make a law saying “no,” but that’s not scriptural. The bible says, “be not drunk with wine.” This means, we can drink alcohol, just as long as we don’t get drunk.

There are some caveats we should be mindful of when it comes to consuming alcohol. 

Caveat #1: It’s a fine line between drinking alcohol and being drunk. Depending on what we drink, our size, and what’s in our system will determine if we’re drinking alcohol or becoming drunk. We must be in tune with the Holy Spirit and have self-control to stop ourselves from becoming drunk. Alcohol can make it more difficult to hear and obey the Holy Spirit.

Caveat #2: Romans 14:13-23 states we shouldn’t eat or drink something if it offends another believer or causes them to become weak. So, if we know another believer is offended by drinking or they’re easily tempted to sin through drinking, we shouldn’t drink around them.

Caveat #3: The Holy Spirit’s conviction. If the Holy Spirit instructs us not to drink, we shouldn’t drink. It doesn’t matter if it’s the smallest glass of wine on a special occasion. To go against His voice, even if we’re not getting drunk, is sin. Everyone else may be drinking (without getting drunk) and that’s okay for them, but for us, it’s sin.

Depending on our history, our sin tendencies, and our convictions drinking alcohol is a case by case situation. Consult the Holy Spirit before drinking and obey His voice.

James 4:17 NKJV Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.