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October 12

“For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority—a loving God as expressed in our group conscience.”

Sex Addicts Anonymous, page 79

If, before I got into recovery, somebody had said I would encounter God in a room full of sex addicts, I would have thought they were crazy. But the language of the Second Tradition makes it plain that the conscience of our groups is one way our Higher Power expresses love to us.

What is our “group conscience?” On the surface, it means the decisions our groups reach together, after discussion and consideration. But group conscience has a larger meaning, too. It refers to the collective wisdom, strength and compassion that arise when we join together.

Certainly each of us has his or her own opinions, viewpoints and ideas. Just as every member has experienced sex addiction in a unique way, everybody’s recovery program looks different. Yet when we meet together, I experience something far larger. That something is a shared willingness to become healthier, happier people—together. There is a shared commitment to support and accept each other, just as we ourselves need support and acceptance. We work together to make our meetings a safe, loving, healing place.

So when I look beyond the surface, I directly encounter a loving Higher Power in my group, always there to welcome, affirm and guide me.

May I see God more clearly in the love and support of my group.