.jpg)
Dear Reader,
Today I revisited a talk by President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can find the talk here. President Oak's talk
At first glance, his message felt a bit dry—mostly a list of scriptures spoken by the Savior. No commentary, no storytelling—just words. But as I sat with those words, I began to see a pattern: these weren’t just sayings. They were a guide to life. A path. A recovery roadmap.
Here’s how some of Christ’s teachings, as shared by President Oaks, connect deeply with the principles of recovery:
Cleansing and Beginning Again
“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
In recovery, we begin with a cleansing—letting go of old patterns and seeking a spiritual rebirth.
Seeking Change
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness...”
Just like Step 1, our desire for change is the beginning. Finding a sponsor, working the Steps—these are ways we seek righteousness and strength.
Carrying the Message
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
When we share our story and serve others, we become peacemakers—welcomed by a community of those who’ve been there too.
Living the Principles
-
“Thou shalt not commit adultery”
Our attitudes and values begin to change—this is transformation. -
“Love your enemies… pray for them that curse you”
Resentments fade. Fear of people and financial insecurity lose their grip. -
“Forgive others, as your Heavenly Father forgives you”
We start to see how our experience can help others. -
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God”
Our self-interest shifts—we begin caring deeply for others. -
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”
This is Step 12 in action: we become the person we once needed.
Warnings and Invitations
“By their fruits ye shall know them.”
Recovery sharpens our ability to recognize truth from lies. We let go of self-deception.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Here is serenity—finally knowing peace.
“My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
The Promises are real. We are not alone.
Christ’s Words—Recovery’s Core
Below are scriptures that echo many of the key insights of the Steps. Let them speak to your heart:
-
“Forsake the world… for what is a man profited if he gain the world and lose his soul?”
-
“Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find.”
-
“Other sheep I have… they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.”
-
“He that liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”
-
“If ye love me, keep my commandments… and I will manifest myself to him.”
-
“Peace I leave with you… Let not your heart be troubled.”
-
“Handle me, and see… for a spirit hath not flesh and bones.”
-
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…”
-
“I am the light and the life of the world.”
-
“Offer unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit.”
-
“I came to bring redemption.”
-
“Be ye therefore perfect.”
-
“Pray always in my name.”
-
“Repent… be baptized… and be sanctified.”
-
“The Comforter… shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance.”
These words, spoken by the Risen Christ, are not just scripture—they are invitations. For those in recovery, they are a message of hope, power, and direction. We are not beyond healing. We are not forgotten.
The gospel and recovery walk hand in hand. And both begin when we turn our hearts and wills over to the care of God.
With you on the path,
—A fellow traveler in recovery
No comments:
Post a Comment