The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery

THE LAW OF WILLINGNESS

REQUIREMENT: willingness

RESULT: growth

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. ~ Colossians 3:23

“Willingness opens the door to new paths that lead to growth. Resistance or stubbornness are signs of foolish ness and self-delusion.” ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery

There’s a childish side of us all that wants everything our way. Those of us in life recovery have probably experienced a time when friends or family members tried to get us to stop our addictive habits or behaviors. But we were foolish and stubbornly refused to listen or comply with their requests. We were unwilling to change. We wanted to live life on our terms.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. ~ James 3:17

Take a moment of inventory…

Are you living a life of wisdom? The proof you are not wise is a lack of purity, love, gentleness and a willingness to yield to others. When we willing submit to God we open our selves to His wisdom. We will begin to grow personally and our lives will produce godly results that others will see.

Take a few moments to watch / listen to this beautiful Casting Crowns song.

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR TOPICS FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH. EACH TOPIC IS A 12-MONTH STUDY ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF THE MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS WE REVIEW INSPIRATIONAL CHRISTIAN MEDIA.

On the third Friday of each month in 2022 we’re focusing our life recovery work on The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery: God’s Wisdom and Guidance for Your Journey with Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop. This powerful study will take our life recovery to a level of freedom most of us haven’t yet experienced.

Each month we’re looking at a requirement that guides us to a specific result which will fill our lives with love, gratitude and serenity. Each of the Twelve Laws of Life Recovery are aligned with one of the Twelve Steps of Life Recovery. As you go through the study you will see how they work together.

THE LAW OF CONNECTION

REQUIREMENT: connection

RESULT: love

Let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love…Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. ~ 1 John 4:7-8, 11-12

“If you fulfill the requirement of making healthy connections, you will find that your life is full of more love.” ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery

We all long to be loved

Even though we are all looking for love most of us don’t realize that to receive love requires making connections. For some, that’s too much work. Many people choose to live lonely, loveless lives rather than having to connect with other people.

unhealthy connections

Some of us grew up in homes where there were lots of rules and little emotional connection at all. Then there are those who are trapped in abusive relationships thinking that what they experience is love, when it is not love at all. What is the solution to both? God of course!

Transformed with Healthy Connections

We can transform our life by building deep healthy connections with other people. This may mean we have to forgive someone who has hurt us. Or it may require us to sever a toxic relationship. It may also mean reaching out to someone you wouldn’t normally be with. God may lead you to a group of people who will return the healthy connection of love to you.

Love God – Love People

And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law. ~ Mark 12:33

It’s important that we are intentional about deepening our connection with God. To do that we must first acknowledge God. Take time to listen. Meditate on God’s Word. Talk to Him through prayer. As we become more closely connected to God, we will naturally share the love we’ve received with those around us. Then we will be more connected to them too.

The more love we experience, the deeper and more valuable our connections with God and with others will become. ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery