Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭2

The core of AA isn’t unique. Ol’ Paul was encouraging people to do the same type of stuff back in the first century.

This idea of passing it on, of carrying the message to others and of helping the newcomer is as old as time.

And it remains a vital part of recovery specifically as well as life generally.

No one better understands what the newcomer is going through than the person who has just gone through that surrender themselves.

In sharing our stories and hope with each other, we impart strength. It’s a case of 1+1=3. We become stronger than the sum of our parts.

And, happily, it works both ways. This sharing is not always received. Many times, the newcomer does not come back. It isn’t in vain though.

We are stronger in our own recovery and faith for having tried to help them.

Further, for those who do stay, for those whose lives are unraveling, we are able to freely share in their suffering.

It dampens the shock enough for them to give this new way of life an honest chance.

God, help me encourage others even if it doesn’t stick.