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Step 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)
Step 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)
Step 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)
Step 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)
Step 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)
Step 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)
Step 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)
Step 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)
Step 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)
Step 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)
Step 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)
Step 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)