The Twelve Steps of Life Recovery are a set of biblical principles in addiction treatment that outline a course of action for tackling problems such as drug and alcohol addiction, overeating, sex addiction, and more. There are 12 Christian Foundations that Life Recovery is based on.
- The Bible supports all the truths expressed in the Life Recovery process.
It is the foundation for recovery and—ultimately—how we should live. We read in 2 Timothy 3:16b, “It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” - Jesus is not just the Higher Power of Life Recovery but the Higher Power of all people.
Here’s a counter-cultural truth: All paths do not lead to God. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). - Life Recovery calls upon God the Creator, Jesus the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit as the source, model, and power for everything in the recovery process.
In Matthew 28:19, we are commanded to, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” - Life Recovery is not an end unto itself but part of an eternal progression toward intimacy with God.
Like recovery, knowing God takes effort on our part. The prophet Hosea wrote, “. . . let us press on to know him” (Hosea 6:3a). - The process of Life Recovery is not just recovery from a problem but the recovery of a soul.
1 Corinthians 6:17 puts it this way, “But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.” So, our soul feels complete when we form a relationship with God. - All activities and resources of Life Recovery are directed toward saving, developing, and strengthening the soul.
Addiction imprisons; God frees. The psalmist cried, “Bring me out of prison so I can thank you” (Psalm 142:7a). - Life Recovery is a unique form of discipleship, spiritual formation, and regeneration.
Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another . . .” Encouragement helps us grow. - Life Recovery is a path toward sanctification, a life set apart and holy.
Apostle Paul said it best, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6). - Life Recovery is not about self-preservation but is about learning to love and help others.
One of the last things Christ told His disciples before going to the cross was to “Love each other in the same way I have loved you” (John 15:12). - Life Recovery is experienced best with the help of a sponsor or a coach.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us to not go through life alone, “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” - Life Recovery will build up the church, transforming it into an authentic, inviting, safe, and supportive community.
We’re all different, but Life Recovery can help the church become one. 1 Corinthians 12:13 says, “Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.” - Life Recovery uses biblical principles to enable us to overcome any struggles that we may face in life.
If you are interested in finding a Life Recovery Group or would like to start one, please call 800-639-5433 today.