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I have a relative who is suffering from the grave sin of gambling which is simply affecting all aspects of his life. He tells me that whilst he is fully aware that he is losing a lot of money; it's the great feeling of gambling and adrenalin rise that he loves; and as such "goes back for more". How can I help?

Gambling is an addiction; and like any other addiction it needs to be treated. You will not be able to help your relative unless he admits he has a problem. Unfortunately, it seems he is enjoying his time and does not look at the consequences.

The first thing you can do is to point out to him how gambling is negatively affecting his life financially, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Biblically gambling is a sin; because the gambler is covetously hoping to get something for nothing. The Holy Bible warns us about greed and the love of money. "For of this you can be sure: no immoral, impure, or GREEDY person-who is an idolater-has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God" (Ephesians 5:5-6). This verse declares that the greedy person is an idolater and has no inheritance in God's Kingdom of Heaven; and God's wrath shall come upon him. We are to be imitators of the Lord Jesus Christ and be worthy of the calling as St. Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:1.

Do not give up on your relative if he does not listen to you. Keep on praying for and talking to him even if he rejects you and ignores what you have to say.

You can read more about gambling at http://suscopts.org/literature/literature.php?subaction=showfull&id=1076780805&archive=&start_from=&ucat=3&.