Step Four: The Step That Sets You Free

When I first worked Step Four, I was dreading all the extra work it would take to look at my resentments and fears. Plus, I didn’t think I had that many or that they really affected me much. As I worked through them though, with the help of a Fourth Step class and support group, I saw how much they affected my behavior and attitude.

But this step isn’t about shame — it’s about healing. It’s about bringing things into the light so God can transform them.

In my book 12 Steps to Recovery From Overeating, I wrote:

“Writing this inventory is an important process and one of the most loving things we can do for ourselves. Once we take an honest look at our past, we can understand ourselves better and begin the process of psychological healing.” — Julie Kleinhans, 12 Steps to Recovery From Overeating

That’s the heart of Step Four.

This step helps us see:

• why certain patterns keep repeating

• how resentment fuels compulsive eating

• where fear has shaped our choices

• and how God wants to bring freedom into every hidden place

Step Four isn’t about blaming ourselves — it’s about understanding ourselves. And when we ask God to meet us in the inventory, He does. Tenderly. Powerfully. Faithfully.

If you’re working Step Four right now, remember this:

You are a loved child of God, and nothing you write down will ever change that.

You’re doing the kind of courageous work that leads to freedom.

Keep going — freedom is on the other side. 💛

If Step Four feels overwhelming, my book 12 Steps to Recovery From Overeating walks you through it with clarity and grace. You don’t have to do this alone — the guidance is there chapter by chapter. You can get the book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/b59l7hh, or as a downloadable PDF from my website at https://www.reshapeandrecover.com/product-page/12-steps-to-recovery-ebook

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