The Road to Recovery Based on the Beatitudes
Principle One. Realize I’m not God. I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and that my life is unmanageable. (Connects to recovery Step 1)
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 NIV
Principle Two. Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him and that He has the power to help me recover. (Connects to recovery Step 2)
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 NIV
Principle Three. Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control. (Connects to recovery Step 3)
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5 NIV
Principle Four. Openly examine and confess my hurts, hang-ups and habits to myself, to God, and to someone I trust. (Connects to recovery Steps 4 and 5)
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8 NIV
Principle Five. Voluntarily submit to any and all changes God wants to make in my life and humbly ask Him to remove my character defects. (Connects to recovery Steps 6 and 7)
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6 NIV
Principle Six. Evaluate all my relationships. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done to others when possible, except when to do so would harm them or others. (Connects to recovery Steps 8 and 9)
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7 NIV
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 NIV
Principle Seven. Reserve a daily time with God for self-examination, Bible reading, and prayer in order to know God and His will for my life and to gain the power to follow His will. (Connects to recovery Steps 10 and 11)
Principle Eight. Yield myself to God to be used to bring this Good News to others, both by my example and my words. (Connects to recovery Step 12)
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10 NIV