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This week were were taught a bit about Peter and John’s ministry and how God’s grace filled the believers.

(Acts 4:32) “All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.”

Step 12 – Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

God’s grace is offered to all, but accepting it is an individual decision because God has given us freedom of choice. Once we accept God’s grace we become a conduit of that grace. Just as it was freely given regardless of how undeserving we all are, we, in turn, pass it on to others. Through the 12 steps of recovery we learn to trust God, we clean our own metaphorical house, and we help others. This is the lesson exemplified by the believers described in this scripture. After accepting God’s grace they freely gave to others that which had been freely given to them.

Step 12 tells us three things:
  1. Working and living these steps results in a “spiritual awakening.” This is a direct result of seeking and accepting God’s grace.
  2. We carry this message to other alcoholics. No one can relate to suffering like someone that has experienced that same suffering. Our spiritual awakening then elevates us from our powerlessness over our addictions. Undeserving as we are, God grants this grace to us all. It is free for the asking. No doubt, God facilitated our transformation through another man or woman. Again, just as the believers that surrounded Peter and John, God’s grace passed from one person to the next. Once transformed we look to pass it on as the ripples of grace spread.
  3. Practice these principles in all our affairs. Our responsibility to be a conduit of God’s grace is not limited to other alcoholics. We must be living examples of God’s grace in all that we do. This serves as a living witness for all to see.

The 12 Steps guide us through recovery of our powerlessness over our addiction with each step having its critical role. This week’s examination of Step 12 shows us how grace is given, accepted, and then given away from which we are struck sober and then remain sober.

 

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