Step 8: Making a List, Checking it Twice. (Part 1)

Send us a text

Step 8 is all about interpersonal relationships and how our behaviors caused others harm. There are many, many ways we cause harm. There are, of course, the things we say or do to others. We might lie, steal, or cheat. We not only hurt people by what we say to them but just as much, if not more, by what we say about them. When doing this list, it was also necessary for me to think about things like anger and jealousy that I had toward others. All of these things from my past also manifest as bumps and potholes in the road ahead and by dealing with them now, I can help smooth out my future travels.

Before any repair happens, I must first identify and acknowledge all of those issues. Some of them might be relatively easy to list, maybe an uncalled for word or statement or money or property that can be paid back. However, some of us are guilty of some terrible actions that seem monumental and impossible to rectify. Some things may require incarceration as a remedy. Decisions will have to be made in the ninth step. For now, it is important to admit our need for amends with the willingness to make things right.

Remember, our Holy Spirit and our new way of life is the ultimate goal. Ultimately, we shall each have to decide how much we are willing to ‘turn over’. For now, admission is key.