Where there has been wrong, the program teaches us the spirit of forgiveness.
Basic Text, p. 12
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In NA, we begin to interact with the world around us. We no longer live in isolation. But freedom from isolation has its price: The more we interact with people, the more often well find someone stepping on our toes. And such are the circumstances in which resentments are often born.
Resentments, justified or not, are dangerous to our ongoing recovery. The longer we harbor resentments, the more bitter they become, eventually poisoning us. To stay clean, we must find the capacity to let go of our resentments, the capacity to forgive. We first develop this capacity in working Steps Eight and Nine, and we keep it alive by regularly taking the Tenth Step.
Sometimes when we are unwilling to forgive, it helps to remember that we, too, may someday require another persons forgiveness. Havent we all, at one time or another, done something that we deeply regretted? And arent we healed in some measure when others accept our sincere amends?
An attitude of forgiveness is a little easier to develop when we remember that we are all doing the very best we can. And someday we, too, will need forgiveness.
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Just for today: I will let go of my resentments. Today, if I am wronged, I will practice forgiveness, knowing that I need forgiveness myself.
Nothing can spoil my serenity and lead to relapse like resentments. I have dealt with all kinds of resentments in recovery, from ones against family members to co-workers, etc. I have learned that I need to let go of them to have some peace. That doesn't mean that I always do. Being human, sometimes I hang onto them for a while. But I do work on letting them go and forgiving people. One of the best tools I have learned for resentments is to pray for the person. It is hard to pray someone and resent them at the same time.
Yes as the God of my understanding forgives me,I must also continue to forgive...Daily work guided by prayer ,meditation and a God centered heart and mind..Help me ,God to stay focused....
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
I really loved this reading........In the past I have been guilty of letting resentments fester and it has led to a relapse for me. Today I'm the queen of letting go. With my HP in my life anythings possible.......... Even forgiveness......
-- Edited by Ruthy on Wednesday 8th of September 2010 01:26:27 AM
