1. We admitted we were powerless over our
addictions and compulsive behaviors. That our lives had become unmanageable.
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I
have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. (Romans
7:18)
2. Came to believe that a power greater
than ourselves could restore us to sanity. For it is God who works in you to
will and to act according to his good purpose. (Philippians 2:13)
3. Made a decision to turn our will and
our lives over to the care of God. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view
of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing
to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1)
4. Made a searching and fearless moral
inventory of ourselves. Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us
return to the LORD. (Lamentations 3:40)
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to
another human being, the exact nature of our wrongs. Therefore confess your
sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
(James 5:16a)
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove
all these defects of character. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he
will lift you up. (James 4:10)
7. Humbly asked Him to remove all our
shortcomings. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will
forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
(1 John 1:9)
8. Made a list of all persons we had
harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Do to others as you
would have them do to you. (Luke 6:31)
9. Made direct amends to such people
whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember
that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front
of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and
offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23-24)
10. Continued to take personal inventory
and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it. So, if you think you are
standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!
(1 Corinthians 10:12)
11. Sought through prayer and meditation
to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His
will for us and power to carry that out. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you
richly. (Colossians 3:16a)
12. Having had a spiritual experience as
the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and
practice these principles in all our affairs. Brothers, if someone is caught
in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch
yourself, or you also may be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)
