Real freedom doesn’t come from willpower, labels, or trying harder—it starts with Jesus. In this episode of Love Life Sober, Christy Osborne is joined by pastor and author John Elmore to talk about addiction, confession, and what it actually looks like to walk in freedom through the Spirit.

John shares his powerful story of addiction, the moment everything came crashing down, and why confession and community are essential—not optional—when it comes to healing. Together, they explore what it means to walk by the Spirit in everyday life, how to respond when it feels like God isn’t answering your prayers, and why locking the doors on temptation matters if you want lasting change.

If you’ve been trying to “white knuckle” your way to freedom or feel stuck in cycles you can’t break, this conversation will remind you that freedom is available—and it starts today.

If You’ve Ever Thought…

“I’ve asked God to take this away, but I’m still struggling.”
“I’m too ashamed to talk about this in church.”

Babe, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode

• Why alcohol often becomes a false solution to pain and stress—and how Jesus offers something far better
• What Galatians 5:16 really means and how walking by the Spirit works in everyday life
• Why confession is essential for healing and how shame keeps women trapped in secrecy
• How your identity shapes your behavior and why you are a saint who sins, not a sinner trying to become holy
• Why willpower isn’t enough and how daily dependence on God creates lasting freedom
• How “one day at a time” mirrors God’s design for daily bread and sustainable change
• What idols actually are, how alcohol quietly becomes one, and why surrender leads to real joy and peace

💌 Links & Resources

📖 John’s book: Freedom Starts Today
https://amzn.to/3Z50d9f

🌿 Join the Love Life Sober Community
https://lovelifesober.co.uk/community

📖 Order Christy’s book, Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind
https://lovelifesober.co.uk/book

📖 Learn more about the Tyndale Life Recovery Bible
https://hubs.la/Q041HjWm0

Connect on Instagram: @lovelifesoberwithchristy

Subscribe on YouTube — Come hang with us!

Please note: This episode includes a brief mention of suicidal thoughts. 

Disclaimer

The creators, hosts, and producers of the Love Life Sober podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological, or professional advice nor intend for the podcast or any Love Life Sober communication to substitute for such. Views and opinions expressed in any referenced or linked resources do not necessarily reflect those of the Love Life Sober team or guests.

Real freedom doesn&rsquo;t come from willpower, labels, or trying harder&mdash;it starts with Jesus. In this episode of Love Life Sober, Christy Osborne is joined by pastor and author John Elmore to talk about addiction, confession, and what it actually looks like to walk in freedom through the Spirit.
John shares his powerful story of addiction, the moment everything came crashing down, and why confession and community are essential&mdash;not optional&mdash;when it comes to healing. Together, they explore what it means to walk by the Spirit in everyday life, how to respond when it feels like God isn&rsquo;t answering your prayers, and why locking the doors on temptation matters if you want lasting change.
If you&rsquo;ve been trying to &ldquo;white knuckle&rdquo; your way to freedom or feel stuck in cycles you can&rsquo;t break, this conversation will remind you that freedom is available&mdash;and it starts today.
<hr data-start="1149" data-end="1152">
If You&rsquo;ve Ever Thought&hellip;
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve asked God to take this away, but I&rsquo;m still struggling.&rdquo; &ldquo;I&rsquo;m too ashamed to talk about this in church.&rdquo;
Babe, this episode is for you.
<hr data-start="1329" data-end="1332">
What You&rsquo;ll Learn In This Episode
&bull; Why alcohol often becomes a false solution to pain and stress&mdash;and how Jesus offers something far better &bull; What Galatians 5:16 really means and how walking by the Spirit works in everyday life &bull; Why confession is essential for healing and how shame keeps women trapped in secrecy &bull; How your identity shapes your behavior and why you are a saint who sins, not a sinner trying to become holy &bull; Why willpower isn&rsquo;t enough and how daily dependence on God creates lasting freedom &bull; How &ldquo;one day at a time&rdquo; mirrors God&rsquo;s design for daily bread and sustainable change &bull; What idols actually are, how alcohol quietly becomes one, and why surrender leads to real joy and peace
<hr data-start="2058" data-end="2061">
💌 Links &amp; Resources
📖 John&rsquo;s book: Freedom Starts Today <a href="https://amzn.to/3Z50d9f" data-start="2129" data-end="2152">https://amzn.to/3Z50d9f</a>
🌿 Join the Love Life Sober Community <a href="https://lovelifesober.co.uk/community" data-start="2196" data-end="2233">https://lovelifesober.co.uk/community</a>
📖 Order Christy&rsquo;s book, Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind <a href="https://lovelifesober.co.uk/book" data-start="2370" data-end="2402">https://lovelifesober.co.uk/book</a>
📖 Learn more about the Tyndale Life Recovery Bible <a href="https://hubs.la/Q041HjWm0" data-start="2460" data-end="2485">https://hubs.la/Q041HjWm0</a>
Connect on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelifesoberwithchristy/">@lovelifesoberwithchristy</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTQIHP9dMuFr9N_bJjtBWKQ">Subscribe on YouTube</a> &mdash; Come hang with us!
<hr data-start="2591" data-end="2594">
Please note: This episode includes a brief mention of suicidal thoughts.&nbsp;
Disclaimer
The creators, hosts, and producers of the Love Life Sober podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological, or professional advice nor intend for the podcast or any Love Life Sober communication to substitute for such. Views and opinions expressed in any referenced or linked resources do not necessarily reflect those of the Love Life Sober team or guests.

Love Life Sober is a Christian podcast for women questioning their relationship with alcohol and sensing God might have more for them beyond the wine glass.

Have you felt that nudge from God to put down the wine glass, but the thought of relaxing, having fun, or even coping with life feels impossible without it? Are you waking up each morning vowing not to drink tonight, only to find that by five p.m., all bets are off?

Love Life Sober is for sober and sober-curious women who love Jesus, or who are longing to reconnect with Him, and who know deep down that alcohol is no longer serving them.

Hosted by Christian sobriety coach and author Christy Osborne, author of Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind, this podcast blends Scripture, neuroscience, and practical coaching to help you understand what’s happening in your brain, your nervous system, and your heart, and how lasting freedom from alcohol is actually possible.

You’ll hear expert conversations and powerful testimonies for women exploring Christian sobriety, faith-based recovery, mindful drinking, and alcohol-free living. Each episode gently invites you to step away from wine and toward deeper connection with God, without shame, pressure, or the need to decide forever.

At the heart of Love Life Sober is a simple truth. Love, joy, peace, and connection were never meant to be found in a wine bottle. They are found in Jesus.

This is a grace-filled, shame-free space for women seeking freedom from alcohol through faith, neuroscience, and compassionate coaching. You don’t have to hit rock bottom. You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through sobriety. And you don’t have to do this alone.

If you’re ready to loosen alcohol’s grip and live the life God is inviting you into, you’re in the right place.
Welcome to Love Life Sober. Want more? Visit lovelifesober.com. 

Love Life Sober is a Christian podcast for women questioning their relationship with alcohol and sensing God might have more for them beyond the wine glass.
Have you felt that nudge from God to put down the wine glass, but the thought of relaxing, having fun, or even coping with life feels impossible without it? Are you waking up each morning vowing not to drink tonight, only to find that by five p.m., all bets are off?
Love Life Sober is for sober and sober-curious women who love Jesus, or who are longing to reconnect with Him, and who know deep down that alcohol is no longer serving them.
Hosted by Christian sobriety coach and author Christy Osborne, author of <a href="https://lovelifesober.co.uk/book">Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind</a>, this podcast blends Scripture, neuroscience, and practical coaching to help you understand what&rsquo;s happening in your brain, your nervous system, and your heart, and how lasting freedom from alcohol is actually possible.
You&rsquo;ll hear expert conversations and powerful testimonies for women exploring Christian sobriety, faith-based recovery, mindful drinking, and alcohol-free living. Each episode gently invites you to step away from wine and toward deeper connection with God, without shame, pressure, or the need to decide forever.
At the heart of Love Life Sober is a simple truth. Love, joy, peace, and connection were never meant to be found in a wine bottle. They are found in Jesus.
This is a grace-filled, shame-free space for women seeking freedom from alcohol through faith, neuroscience, and compassionate coaching. You don&rsquo;t have to hit rock bottom. You don&rsquo;t have to white-knuckle your way through sobriety. And you don&rsquo;t have to do this alone.
If you&rsquo;re ready to loosen alcohol&rsquo;s grip and live the life God is inviting you into, you&rsquo;re in the right place. Welcome to Love Life Sober. Want more? Visit <a href="https://lovelifesober.com/">lovelifesober.com</a>.&nbsp;

Love Life Sober is a Christian podcast for women questioning their relationship with alcohol and sensing God might have more for them beyond the wine glass.  Have you felt that nudge from God to put down the wine glass, but the thought of relaxing, having fun, or even coping with life feels impossible without it? Are you waking up each morning vowing not to drink tonight, only to find that by five p.m., all bets are off?  Love Life Sober is for sober and sober-curious women who love Jesus, or who are longing to reconnect with Him, and who know deep down that alcohol is no longer serving them.

Love Life Sober

Freedom From Alcohol Can Start Today | John Elmore

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/d9c0377a-4337-49b2-aac7-b4150130cd2c/transcript