Character Defects: Meaning in Recovery
Character defects are the deep habits of the heart that cause harm and feed your drinking: things like pride, fear, dishonesty, self-pity, resentment and selfishness. They’re not the drinking itself. They’re what’s underneath it, the patterns that are still there even on a sober day.
How the term is used
The 1939 wording of Step 6 reads: “Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.” Step 7 follows: “Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.”
Your Step 4 inventory usually reveals them. When the same reactions show up again and again on the page, you start to see the pattern: maybe fear behind your anger, or pride behind your lies. Step 6 is becoming willing to let them go, which is harder than it sounds, because some defects feel like protection. Step 7 is asking God to do what you can’t do yourself.
Many people practice the opposite trait while they pray. If impatience is your defect, you wait on purpose. If it’s dishonesty, you tell small truths even when a lie would be easier.
What Scripture says
Paul describes the slow change God works in a believer, from the inside out.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Try this today
Name your top three defects from your inventory, or your best guess. Pray the Seventh Step prayer over them tonight.
Go further with Step 6: becoming entirely ready.
Common questions
What are some common character defects?
Pride, selfishness, fear, dishonesty, resentment, self-pity, impatience, jealousy and lust come up often. Your inventory will show which ones drive you.
Are character defects the same as sins?
Many Christians see them as close cousins: patterns of sin and brokenness that grow into habits. The steps use plainer language so anyone can recognize them.
Will God remove my defects all at once?
Sometimes something lifts quickly. More often it's a slow change you notice looking back. Keep asking, keep practicing the opposite.
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