Step/Week 10, Day 5 – Crossroads and Daily Inventory: Loving God, self and others
May 6, 2020 818
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second most important is similar: ‘Love your neighbo[u]r as much as you love yourself’” (Matt. 22:37-39, TLB)
How much effort did you put into keeping your addictions alive and active? Probably a lot. For most of us, it was a full-time occupation. Nothing else mattered. Your addiction was in the “driving seat” for your life.
Now that you have travelled so far in your recovery, you will see that your new-found freedom has given you a new, fresh perspective on life. God has been tirelessly at work within you, as you partnered with Him, in making the necessary changes, so that you are no longer bound to your addictions. They’re a thing of the past, that you’re continuing to deal with.
Today’s verses show Jesus telling one of the Pharisees (the religious of the day) where his priorities should lie: God should take first place. Is God in first position in your life? Do you love Him with all “your heart, soul, and mind”—with your everything? It seems a tall order, but it’s what God commands for your life—love Him completely. The more time you spend nurturing your relationship with Him, the more love you will experience, and you will want to express that love to Him, more and more.
Jesus puts loving “your neighbour as much as you love yourself” in second position. Who is your neighbour? Everyone is! Do you see how much love you have for yourself will affect the love you show others? You can’t give to others what you don’t have inside you. Cultivating your love for God, self and others (in that order) is vital for your progress in recovery.
– Graham Hood
Personal Reflection: What position have you put God in your life? Make Him your #1! How can you express your love for Him, today? Ask Him to fill you with His love. Ask Him to help you love others with the new-found love you have for yourself.
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