We’re not meant to walk alone.
That truth hit me deeply as I looked back on my path through recovery, service, and faith. Whether sitting in a 12-step meeting or standing at the pulpit, I’ve come to believe this: working with others is not a side feature of growth — it’s the bridge that carries us across.
In Alcoholics Anonymous, there’s a saying: “We don’t recover alone.” It’s simple. It’s true. And it echoes something eternal — that healing, like salvation, is a shared journey.
Collaborating: More Than Sharing Stories
In AA, when we collaborate, we don’t just talk. We listen. We witness each other’s pain and progress. We grow together — in honesty, in humility, and in grace.
The same is true in the gospel of Jesus Christ. To “mourn with those that mourn” and “comfort those that stand in need of comfort” (Mosiah 18:9) is not just a nice idea — it’s a covenant.
Partnering: Companionship and Trust
The sponsor-sponsee relationship in AA is a powerful kind of partnership. It reminds me of missionary companionships — two people walking together with a shared goal and mutual trust.
Whether in recovery or in the mission field, this kind of relationship reflects how the Savior walks with us — never ahead in pride or behind in judgment, but beside us in love and accountability.
Coordinating: Bringing Order to Our Efforts
From organizing a group meeting to planning a service project, coordinating with others keeps our efforts aligned with higher principles. Recovery teaches us structure. The gospel teaches us order.
As Paul wrote, “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). The Spirit thrives in spaces where there is unity and purpose.
Teaming Up: Letting Strengths Multiply
We all have blind spots and weaknesses. But when we team up, we don’t just cover those gaps — we multiply our strengths. That’s why church councils, missionary companionships, and group therapy sessions work.
Working with others means recognizing that I don’t have to be everything — I just need to show up, offer what I can, and let others do the same.
Cooperating: Learning to Let Go of Control
This may be the most spiritual part of working with others — cooperating means surrendering the need to control. It’s the humility to let others lead, to value every voice, and to trust that God can work through anyone — not just me.
In recovery, it’s the circle. In the Church, it’s the ward family. In Christ, it’s the body of believers (1 Corinthians 12).
We Are Instruments of Healing — Together
In both recovery and the restored gospel, I’ve learned this: We heal together. We build the kingdom together. We find our true purpose together.
If you’re on the fence about asking for help or extending your hand — I hope this encourages you to step forward. Build the bridge. Cross it. Welcome someone to the other side.
Because the Savior never walks alone — and neither should we.
Want More Reflections Like This?
Subscribe to Gimage.net for spiritual insights, recovery principles, and stories of hope and healing.
No comments:
Post a Comment