Step 7: Finding Freedom from Overeating through God’s Grace

So many of us who struggle with compulsive eating also struggle with shame, self-condemnation, and the deep desire to just “be better.”

We try to fix ourselves, to white-knuckle through our cravings or punish ourselves for overeating — but true freedom doesn’t come from more willpower. It comes from surrender.

That’s the heart of Step Seven in our Christ-centered recovery journey. Step 7 as written by Alcoholics Anonymous says:

👉 "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

In my book, 12 Steps to Recovery from Overeating, I write:

“We ask God to remove our defects of character — not as one who feels unworthy or ashamed, but as highly valued, dearly loved children of God.” — Julie Kleinhans, 12 Steps to Recovery from Overeating

This step is not about groveling or trying to prove ourselves. It’s about recognizing that God delights in us — even in our imperfection — and wants to replace our struggles with something better: the fruit of the Spirit.

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”— Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV)

God doesn’t just tolerate you — He rejoices over you. And because of His great love, He is willing to help us overcome our shortcomings — even the ones that show up at the dinner table.

In Galatians 5:1, we’re reminded:

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Food cravings, binge eating, emotional eating — these are forms of bondage. But Christ has already made a way for us to walk in freedom. We must ask Him daily to transform us, not just to remove the food behaviors, but to heal the deeper heart issues beneath them.

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”— Galatians 5:22–23

Where we once reacted with frustration, God can produce peace.

Where we once turned to food for comfort, He offers love, joy, and self-control.

This is not a one-time prayer, but a daily practice of asking God to:

• Remove the defects that keep us stuck

• Replace them with His Spirit

• And remind us we are not condemned, but deeply loved

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1

You are not your struggle. You are a child of God.

He has already provided the freedom — now it’s your time to receive it.

If you’ve been feeling stuck in the cycle of overeating, let Step 7 remind you: freedom is possible — not through trying harder, but through trusting deeper.

🙏 God is good. He is full of grace. And He is ready to meet you right where you are.

Have questions or need support?

Reach out to me at info@reshapeandrecover.com or schedule a free discovery call. I’d love to walk alongside you.