One Day at a Time in Al-Anon:
The great danger of admitting resentment into our minds and hearts is that it often leads to retaliation. We feel justified in “evening up the score” and paying somebody back for what they have done to us.
But how can I logically punish someone for what he or she did to me when I cannot fathom their intentions or motives? Perhaps the hurt was not intended; perhaps we were over-sensitive. Or, as in the case of the alcoholic, most of us have suffered from unkindness. We have often been told in Al-Anon that the alcoholic’s behavior toward the family is actually the backlash from his or her own guilt and self- hatred.
Today’s Reminder:
Nobody has given me the right to punish anyone, for anything; our Higher Power has reserved that right to Himself—“Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord.” Therefore any attempt at retaliation for an injury can only react unhappily on me.
“In nature there are neither rewards nor punishments — there are consequences.” – Robert G. Ingersoll