Principles Before Personalities

Saturday July 8, 2023

“Principles before personalities” is one of those sayings we hear at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. We often repeat these words together but what do these words actually mean?

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. (Philippians 2:3-4, Galatians 6:2-3 NLT)

Some of the principles we uphold as we work through the 12-Step Program include: - admitting we are powerless; owning our part in a given situation; surrendering to God's will; being patient and humble; maintaining respect for everyone. These are important principles that are a lot easier to talk about than to put into practice, particularly in dealing with those who are "works in progress" just like us.

Personalities vary greatly. Some personality types fit well with the person we are and are easy for us to get along with. Others provide more of a challenge. In daily life we will certainly encounter people with differing values and beliefs. Some are struggling with their very existence and exhibit toxic behaviours such as: - gossip, blaming, controlling, and/or victimization. How then do we practice putting “principles before personalities”?

Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ. (Luke 6:28, Ephesians 4:15 NLT)

People are responsible for their own thoughts and actions. We all need to deal with our feelings about a person in a "let go and let God" way. When we disagree with another, we invite God to fill us with peace and show us how to speak and act with respect. We work our own program and leave others to work theirs. As we faithfully practice putting “principles before personalities,” God will strengthen us with the endurance and patience that is required.

Prayer: Loving God, Only by Your work in me can I truly put “principles before personalities.” I praise You that Your Power will strengthen me to overcome my weakness in this area. Amen

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

Principles Before Personalities

Audio for Principles Before Personalities

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