A Shield Of Protection

A Shield of Protection

Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:13-17

Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Recovery is not a battle anyone wins alone. We help each other to think and live in new ways. Alone we’re vulnerable. Together we form a shield of protection for one another.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil” (Ephesians 6:16). Faith here refers to trust in Christ for salvation. In general terms, it also means having constancy in our convictions. This can apply to our convictions about the Twelve Step principles. The shield of faith was likened to the shields carried by Roman soldiers, which were able to cover the entire body. To advance in battle, a group of soldiers would assemble together, making a wall of shields for protection as they moved.

Similarly, we are told to stick together, “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another” (Hebrews 10:25, NKJV). We are to take our place in the unity that helps protect us and those with whom our lives are connected.

We need to assemble with others who share the common beliefs helpful in our recovery. Our encouragement of one another, our shared faith, and the principles of the Twelve Steps will be a form of protection as we continue to advance in recovery.

By standing together, we form a shield against a relapse and other dangers.