8 Principles

Eight Recovery Principles

The Road to Recovery Based on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10)

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. (Step 1)

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3

Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him and that He has the power to help me recover. (Step 2)

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control. (Step 3)

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5

Openly examine and confess my faults to myself, to God, and to someone I trust. (Steps 4 and 5)

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8

Voluntarily submit to any and all changes God wants to make in my life and humbly ask Him to remove my character defects. (Steps 6 and 7)

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6

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. (Steps 8 and 9)

“Blessed are the merciful.” Matthew 5:7

“Blessed are the peacemakers” Matthew 5:9

Reserve a 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. (Steps 10 and 11)

Yield myself to God to be used to bring this Good News to others, both by my example and my words. (Step 12)

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10