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Just For Today Agreeable And Focused On Blessing

Friday January 5, 2018


Just for today I will be agreeable.  I will not criticize, not find fault, and not try to improve or control anybody except myself.  I will pray blessing on one person with whom I struggle to relate.


“I can’t control people, places, or things.” We hear this saying in meetings and often repeat it to ourselves and yet, unless we feel in control, we struggle.  In our addiction we encountered people who acted in unpredictable ways.  Our own circumstances were ever changing, and we often felt exposed and vulnerable.  The cause may have been as simple as a change in the weather or as complex as the sudden breakdown in a close relationship. 

The world of recovery is new and undefined for us.  At times we will do whatever it takes to avoid that frightening place of exposure and helplessness and so we find fault in our environment and criticize and try to control things around us.  God invites us to live a better way.  Just as He is gently working with us and teaching us a new way, God asks us to give the same respect and space to others, even when they are being difficult. 


A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.  Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.  Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.  (2 Timothy 2:24-25, Luke 6:28 NLT)

What a challenge?  Can any of us live up to this?  Yes, but only within the safety of God’s care.  God will show us how to speak the truth in love and leave the responses of others with them.  In any group there will always be people with whom we find it difficult to relate.  We are called to speak and act in ways that bless and encourage, and leave the rest to God. 


Prayer:  God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.  Amen


©2018 Partners in Hope  
More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/

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