Grey Book Reflection
The only way to be rid of a resentment is to develop humility, in the form of forgiveness.
Gray Book, p. 76 (Step Twelve, Lines 10-11)
Some say that resentments are like relieving yourself on yourself because you're the only one that feels it. The fact is that re-feeling or re-sending anger only hurts ourselves for the most part. The Process of Forgiveness begins with God Forgiving us, in turn we Forgive ourselves; at this point we're able to Forgive and be Forgiven by others. This Process usually takes place in Steps Seven through Nine.
We started the Forgiveness Process early on, when we Admitted our Powerlessness over our addiction. We had to put away our blame throwers.
We became Accountable for our addiction. We became Worthy of Recovery as we asked a Power Greater Than Ourselves to relieve our obsession to use. Our Decision to turn our Wills and Lives over to the God Of Our Own Understanding produced Humility in us.
Asking for Help made us Aware of our own Humanity. We start to develop Compassion for others.
Patience and Tolerance with ourselves, Helps us to Practice these Principles toward others. Forgiving others releases us from the bondage of resentment; it also helps others with their anger and guilt. Today with Narcotics Anonymous and our Higher Power we're Free to Live, Happy, Joyous and Free.
We are released from resentments by Forgiving others. We start to see that Forgiveness is really for us.