The Brotherhood
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 NIV
You need the brotherhood to lift you, hold you in prayer, and give you words of encouragement. They know what it feels like, they’ve been there. Step eleven of AA says, “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understand Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and
the power to carry that out.”
Don’t go into a victim stance; stay strong and be courageous. In the beginning stages of discovery and disclosure, you are building stamina and endurance. It will feel rocky for both of you, like learning a new culture or language. You will feel alone, but you’re not. The brotherhood may be a new concept to you. We are not meant to do life alone; we need each other. You learn from each other; you sit eyeball to eyeball, hold each other up in prayer and pray for your brothers’ recovery work to be the best it can be. We are to love one another as Christ loves, and that means when you see a brother down, needing encouragement, be there and help lift him up.
“Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other daily, while it is still ‘today’ so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. Remember what it says: ‘Today, when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled’” (Hebrews 3:12-15). Remember, you’re not beyond temptation, and you’re never alone. Your higher power, God, is with you; he will not leave or forsake you. “When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone” (James 1:2-6). I cannot say it any better than the scriptures: take heed, brothers, men who want to do the right thing, who want to save themselves from the condemnation of guilt and judgment know that your higher power, Jesus, has paid the price. “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2 NIV). Please make meeting with an accountability person a priority.