Recovery Wednesday
After reaching a place of humility in Step 7, it’s time to move on to Step 8:
We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all
Luke 6:31
“Do unto others as you would have them do to you.”
Using our inventory from Step 4, we can gather and reflect on those whom we’ve harmed in the past. Some of those on our list are obvious, those we’ve stolen from, those we’ve robbed of their belongings, their innocence, their love, or there time.
Did your list just get longer? Mine did. We didn’t just take money or valuables. How did our actions affect those who love us? This makes me remember my children when they were young, how they looked up to me and only wanted my love. Love that I didn’t know how to give because I was numb. How I ignored my parents worry. How I was cold and hard to others so they couldn’t see the real me.
This is the time for confession of how we’ve damaged and hurt others who expected more from us. Although we’ve done some selfish, horrible things that can’t be undone, think of new beginnings. A list of hearts that may be healed and restored when we honestly seek to make amends for our past actions.
Once we complete our lists, we have to become willing to make amends. Because we are human, we may find it easier to express regret than to take the steps for true restitution. Who wants to live their life with regrets? We’ve already come this far. We must continue to do whatever it takes, not just what is comfortable.
The Life Recovery Journey tells us that it’s not easy to be responsible, consistent, and dependable when addiction and dysfunction have prevented us from maturing as other adults have matured. But when we commit to something and do not back away from that commitment, our character is built and our maturity increased.
No matter how far we may have fallen, the door to restoration, forgiveness, and a fresh start can open. Transformation begins with humility and a willingness to acknowledge past mistakes.
Galatians 6:7-8
“You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.”
Creating our list this week is preparing the seed to be sown. We will sow our seed in Step 9.
In Step 9, we will experience restoration and reconciliation as we learn how to make amends to those on our list.
Till next week!
Robin Merrick
Ref: Celebrate Recovery, The Life Recovery Journey.
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