8 RECOVERY PRINCIPLES
by Pastor Rick Warren (Based on the Beatitudes)

R Realize I’m not God; I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable. (Step 1) “Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor.” Matt 5:3

E Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover. (Step 2) “Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matt 5:4

C Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control. (Step 3)“Happy are the meek.” Matt 5:5

O Openly examine and confess my faults to myself, to God, and to someone I trust. (Steps 4 & 5) “Happy are the pure in heart.” Matt 5:8

V Voluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in my life, and humbly ask Him to remove my character defects. (Steps 6 & 7) “Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires.” Matt 5:6

E Evaluate all my relationships; Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done to others, except when to do so would harm them or others. (Steps 8 & 9) “Happy are the merciful.” Matt 5:7, “Happy are the peacemakers.” Matt 5:9

R Reserve a daily time with God for self-examination, Bible reading, and prayer, in order to know God and His will for my life and to gain the power to follow His will. (Steps 10 & 11)

YYield myself to be used by God to bring this Good News to others, both by my example & my words. (Step 12) “Happy are those who are persecuted, for they do what God requires.” Matt 5:10