Step 7 - Removing Defects

Many people struggling with overeating carry a deep sense of shame.

We promise ourselves we’ll do better… but when we slip again, it’s easy to start believing something is wrong with us. That shame can keep us stuck in the same cycle of trying harder, failing, and feeling worse.

But Step 7 reminds us of something powerful: recovery is not about punishing ourselves. It’s about humbly turning to God and asking Him to change us.

As I wrote in my book:

"In Step Seven, we ask God to remove our defects—not as one who feels unworthy or ashamed, but as highly valued, dearly loved children of God." 12 Steps to Recovery from Overeating, by Julie Kleinhans

This changes everything.

We don’t approach God as failures trying to earn His approval.

We come as His children — already loved, already forgiven through Jesus.

From that place of grace, we can humbly ask Him to remove the attitudes and patterns that keep us stuck.

The Bible reminds us:

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

What a beautiful picture of what God wants to grow in us.

Step 7 isn’t about trying harder to be perfect.

It’s about surrendering our weaknesses to God and allowing Him to replace them with the fruit of His Spirit.

Freedom begins when we stop relying on willpower alone and start relying on God’s power instead.