[nandm]

Although these reparations take innumerable forms, there are some general principles which we find guiding. Reminding ourselves that we have decided to go to any lengths to find a spiritual experience, we ask that we be given strength and direction to do the right thing, no matter what the personal consequences may be. We may lose our position or reputation, or face jail, but are willing. We have to be. We must not shrink at anything.

----
Though we may not have recognized it for what it was, the conscious awareness of the existence of God and the resulting change in the lives of those we know who have experienced this is what first attracted us to this way of life. The authors found that the result of taking these steps is a spiritual awakening . As we practice these steps we beign to awaken spiritually. We continue practicing these principles because we see for ourselves that it works.

We make direct amends to those we have harmed except when to do so would harm them or others. We sometimes hear that we are to consider ourselves as one of the “others”. This is not what the book says. We have avoided making amends because we feared the consequences, thus the weight of our misdeeds builds into an unbearable load. By facing the consequences, whatever they may be, we bring our faith in God to life. We do not make amends under our own power, but under the guidance and protection of God.