Step 7 - Peaceful RelationshipsThroough Humility

If we want to experience healthy and joyful relationships with God and with others each day of our lives, we will have to be willing to change our former ways. 

We know we cannot fix ourselves.   Our confidence in the ability to change is based on the truth that, when we humbly come to God and ask Him to remove our character defects, He will do so.  That’s what we learn in Step 7.  Humbly asked him to remove all our shortcomings.

The Bible describes this encounter with God in this way:

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.  So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you.  Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. James 4:6-8, 10

A problem many of us experience is – we are willing to have God remove some of our defects of character but are not willing to admit to or give up others.  We assume we are finished with our restoration, but, as long as we have difficulties in our relationships with others, there remains a work that God wants to do in us, if we will allow Him.  Will we?

Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

A life of joy and peace is more evident in those who are humble because they are willing to have blind spots revealed to them. They seek God’s help, and the help of sponsors or others, to work through the tougher issues of their hearts. 

Humble people are peaceful thankful people because they recognize the journey is progress not perfection.  They leave their stubborn pride behind and come close to God who alone can save and restore them.  They are willing to have God reveal to them what the root of their problems is and deal with it in God’s way. 

Thank You God that You forgive.  You heal.  You encourage.  You make a way of peace and blessing available to those who are willing to have You cleanse and heal their hearts as and when You reveal that a character defect is visible.  Give us the grace and humility we need to leave the agenda making in Your hands and simple follow Your plan as You reveal it to us. Amen

God’s will. God’s way, always.  I don’t know who coined that phrase but it certainly is a simple application of what we are talking about today.