TRUE TOLERANCE
Recovery Einstein's Big Book perspective on the AA Daily Reflection for May 29.
True tolerance, as the Big Book sees it, is not mere politeness but a spiritual condition born of Step work. On page 68, we are told we have been speaking of 'serenity, of love, of humility, of tolerance' — placing tolerance right alongside the deepest fruits of recovery. It means accepting others exactly as they are, without judgment, because we have accepted ourselves. When we work Steps Four through Nine, we let go of resentments and learn to see others as sick people, not enemies. The Promises on pages 83-84 tell us 'we will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us.' That includes handling people with patience and understanding. True tolerance is the daily practice of letting God be in charge of changing others while we focus on our own growth [Page 68, Pages 83-84].
Where in your life today could you trade judgment for tolerance, remembering that the other person may be struggling with an illness you can't see?
Start each day with Einstein's Big Book perspective — a quiet moment before the world gets loud.
This is Recovery Einstein's original Big Book perspective on the day's theme — not the official AA Daily Reflections text. For the official reflection, follow the aa.org link above. Page references are to Alcoholics Anonymous (the Big Book), 4th Edition.
Quick answers
What is the AA Daily Reflection for May 29?
The theme for May 29 is “True Tolerance.” True tolerance, as the Big Book sees it, is not mere politeness but a spiritual condition born of Step work.
Where in your life today could you trade judgment for tolerance, remembering that the other person may be struggling with an illness you can't see?
True tolerance is the daily practice of letting God be in charge of changing others while we focus on our own growth [Page 68, Pages 83-84]. (Big Book: Chapter 5, pages 67-71; Chapter 6, pages 83-85)