Topic for thought

Today is the second part of looking at Step 4. Last week we began examining some of the entrenched, long- standing resentments and grudges we are holding and how that has affected our relationship with others. This week we are analysing four other aspects of our character, which affect us. Hopefully we have begun making a list of all the resentments and grudges we are holding and the ultimate purpose of this is to confess these faults to ourselves, to God, and to another person we trust, such as our Sponsor. As we begin to step out of denial and into God’s truth and light we will find the life we have been searching for.

The Issue

The purpose of Step 4 is to bring into the light all our entrenched, longstanding resentments and grudges, recognising how much they damage us and how we need to be rid of them if we are to be free and get well. Harbouring resentments is like storing toxic waste within ourselves and if we do not get rid of this poison these destructive feelings are very likely to lead us into relapse and we’ll be back to where we started

The Goals

On completion of Step 4 we should be able to...

• Realise who and what I am holding resentments and grudges against

• Realise how these grudges and resentments are badly affecting me

• Realise how often the grudges and resentments are trivial and absurd

• Realise, especially when I have been abused, how some of the resentments are justified and I am not at fault

• Acknowledge my priorities in life – me first or God first?

• Acknowledge my integrity – can I be trusted?

• Acknowledge my attitude of mind – is it open or closed?

• Acknowledge my body – do I respect or abuse it?