CWSA - Step #8

CWSA - Step #8

What drives someone to seek a life without addiction? This episode of *Christians with Secret Addictions* focuses on Step 8 of a Bible-based 12-step journey and speaks directly to people wrestling with hidden struggles, their families, and anyone looking for faith-centred recovery. The host, Terry Hanna, sets the tone with Psalm 66:16, emphasising sharing "what God has done for me" as the core of each Sunday meeting.

He explains that recovery is far more than abstinence; it’s about becoming givers of "kindness, goodness, mercy, and forgiveness" in all areas of life.

Step 8 is framed through the Golden Rule in Matthew 7:12 and the principle: "we made a list of all the persons we've harmed, and we became willing to make amends to them all." You’ll hear a candid description of addiction as a "zombie-like" existence where people "become takers" who lie, cheat, and cause deep emotional harm. Terry links this behaviour to Paul’s description in 2 Timothy 3, showing how scripture mirrors the reality of full-blown addiction.

He stresses that denial about the damage done is a major pitfall that can make the hope of recovery "slim at best." The episode then turns to how Step 8 begins to heal the past: honestly listing those harmed, facing the "trails of tears" left behind, and becoming willing to right wrongs. Terry highlights the beauty in this step as a chance to restore hearts and relationships, while preparing for Step 9.

Forgiveness is presented as central, including forgiving those who hurt us and, just as importantly, forgiving ourselves. One key reminder stands out: "Forgiveness. It's not an emotion. It's a decision." With a mix of scripture, personal recovery experience, and practical guidance, the episode offers a clear, faith-driven approach to cleaning up the past and stepping towards a new life. If you’re wrestling with guilt, resentment, or fear about making amends, could this be the step that starts to change everything?