My AA sponsor and I have both been feeling just a little "pissy" towards some of the people in our lives lately; and, as alcoholics, we know that resentments --left to fester-- can lead us to drink. My sponsor suggested that both of us read from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, page 552-553, every day for two weeks. It says, basically, that in order to relieve resentments, we just need to pray for the person we're resentful about. It says to ask, in prayer, for the things we want for ourselves to be granted the other person. It says to do THAT every day for two weeks, as well.
In the Big Book, Chapter 5, page 64, it states, "Resentment is the 'number one' offender. It destroys more alcoholics than anything else." In the Bible (NIV), Job 5:2 says, "Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple." I'm thinking that praying for someone, every day for two weeks, sounds like an excellent alternative to a resentment that leads to drinking again and, eventually, death. Because drinking again will turn me into a fool and resentment, according to the bible, kills a fool!
So, I'm off to read pages 552-553, pray for a few folks, and stay sober and alive one more day! :-)
Thank you, Aggie. From Step 8, Seeking Forgiveness, in The Guide to Addiction Recovery and Healing, "If we found people on our lists that we had an especially difficult time forgiving, we took the Savior’s counsel to pray for their welfare, asking all the blessings for them that we would want for ourselves
ReplyDelete(see Matthew 5:44)." In the exercise [we] soften[s] our hearts. for give-ness. <3
Thank you, too, Damaris...it is such a relief when we can become free of resentments, and I am finding that praying for the person not only helps with the resentment I'm feeling toward that person, but helps me to feel better about myself overall.
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