July 13

“Love and tolerance of others is our code.” This is something that they say in Alcoholics Anonymous’ Big Book on page 84. For a few years, I heard this statement frequently in meetings. It always reminded me of my personal code (more of a pirate code) when I was drinking and using. My personal code was “Do unto others before they do unto you.” And I have to say that my personal code served me pretty well for many years. However, when I heard the words “love and tolerance” in recovery, I translated the words in my head into “love OR tolerance,” and I truly missed the meaning of the code. It’s pretty easy to have one OR the other, but it’s entirely different from having them both simultaneously. Having love AND tolerance at the same time takes empathy, compassion, care, a deep understanding of others, and the desire to be helpful. Something we know too little about these days.

Reflections

Do you have love “AND” tolerance of others, or is it more like love “OR” tolerance of others?

Daily Challenge

When you greet someone today, say to yourself, “I can love and tolerate this spirit today.”