Let's stop for a few minutes on this long journey we've been on. Let's reflect on how far we have come. Since January, we have:
Figured out how to let go and trust for maybe the first time
Discovered deep wounds and sins of our own through our inventory
Learned how to come clean with God's help and the help of others we can trust
Made our admissions to God, ourselves and one other human being how wrong we can be and that's ok
That is quite a list, isn't it? Well, we are just a little more than half way through our journey together. August lands us in the 8th month and that means we have come to Step 8 of our recovery journey. Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done! We have come so far in this journey together! Let's dig into our next step and keep moving forward!
Step 8 says we are to make a list of all the people we have harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. By working through my inventory, I have a laundry list of people who have harmed me and of people I have harmed. As a result of my controlling tendencies, my co-dependent behavior, and my shopping addiction, I have hurt many people without realizing it at the time.
In Luke 6:31, Jesus is speaking to a crowd of disciples. This is Luke's interpretation of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is presenting how people should behave in order to live a "blessed" life. I view this, personally, as Jesus explaining how to live a life with the Kingdom of Heaven in mind. Jesus tells us to love, do good deeds, be generous, pray, be merciful, non-judgmental, just to name a few. Many refer to Luke 6:31 as the Golden Rule.
"Treat others the same way you want them to treat you."
A little convicting, don't you think? I sure think so! Especially since I know the laundry list of things I have done to others that I would never want them to do to me! There is good news, though. That laundry list of sins I've committed against God, ways I have mistreated others, and things I have done to harm myself have all been redeemed.
I may have a laundry list, but by bringing my list to the Throne, it is washed clean by the blood of Jesus. Yes, I have done things in my past that do not agree with the Kingdom Life, I can rest in the truth that through prayer, supplication, and repentance, my sins are forgiven. I make the choice today to hold on to that truth and know God is on my side.
Take me to the next post in the series.
Think About It:
How do you feel about how far you've come in your recovery journey?
Review your inventory list. Is there anything else you need to add?
Make it a point to practice Luke 6:31 in your everyday life. Keep a log, if you would like. go over it once a week.
Download the August Reading Plan© (subscriber password required) and Read Luke 6:31, Luke 6:37, Hebrews 10:24, and Luke 6:35.
Journal About it:
Follow along in the My Journey Journal© (subscriber password required) and write about how the questions and scriptures today resonated with you. As you write, thank Him for showing you the way in your journey.
Pray About it:
As you think and write, say this prayer with me.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for convicting my heart of the sins I have committed against You and others. I pray today asking for forgiveness and I turn away from my past behaviors. Help me to live out Luke 6:31 every day and help me to "treat others the same way I want them to treat me."
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Talk About it:
I would love to hear from you! I enjoy connecting and keeping in touch. Do you feel as though you don’t have anyone you can share with confidentially? Your anonymity is protected. Do you feel you are the only one struggling with the after effects of growing up with an alcoholic parent? YOU are not alone! It’s time to break free from the shackles of your controlling habits, trust issues, co-dependency, guilt, self-blame, hurts, regrets, and heartaches! Your NEW Normal starts NOW!
*this post contains external links*
