Step Eight Where Have I Caused Harm?

We have all been hurt and let down by others. It’s simply a part of being around humans.  However, some of us are so focused on how we’ve been victimized and hurt that we fail to acknowledge how we have harmed others.  To move forward in recovery, we must come to that place where we recognize the pain and brokenness in our relationships and deal with the harm caused to us, and by us.

And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. (Matthew 7:3-5 NLT)

If we ask Him, God will teach us how our way of relating to others is different from His blueprint for loving relationships.  God will prompt us to recall particular people and circumstances where we have caused harm.  Writing down what happened, outlining our part in the event, and accepting responsibility for the wrong we did, will begin our healing process. 

Today is another opportunity to ask God for forgiveness and healing so we can become willing to make amends to the individuals we have harmed. 

Prayer:  Loving God, As You have forgiven me, I choose to forgive those who have harmed me.  Your word says there is no fear in love, and I believe Your perfect love will cast out all my fear and help me become willing to make amends to those I have harmed.  Amen

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