Calcify

TRUTH

So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

James‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬-‭13

REFLECTION

Which is it? Mercy or judgement? Grace or punishment? Love or fury?

Both, right?

The trap is to think in absolutes. The world would have me decide whether God is loving or vengeful, leaving no room for the nuance of reality.

Thank God I was given mercy. And not just in spiritual terms. I’m grateful for the mercies I’ve received in sobriety.

I should have paid a heftier cost for my actions.

Many others either did not make it out as soon as I did or died before trying.

As I sobered, I hardened. Not always in a good way, either.

Quickly, my opinions came back. And with them, my judgements of others.

Who gave me the right to look down on anyone from my high horse of sobriety?

Leave it to an ex-addict to crawl to the top of the bottom and think it’s something special.

But this is a pattern we are familiar with—get a taste of the goodness of right living and immediately begin to persecute those who are right behind you.

Judgement is not for me. As soon as I wield it, I crucify the chance I may have had to be helpful.

God, keep my heart from hardening.

SPONSOR

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NEXT

When you’re ready, here are some tools for you:

1. Book List (amazon link)
   Some of my favorite reads related to recovery and/or wrestling with faith.

2. 4th Step Guide (free download)
   A PDF with instructions and worksheets for a thorough 4th step. Straight from the Big Book. Fearlessness not included.

3. 12-Step Christianity (YouTube)
   My thoughts on the parallels between discipleship and sponsorship.

KEEP LEANING FORWARD

Cheers, Eamonn
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