Principles Before Expediency: Closing the Forgiveness Gap
At tonight’s AA meeting, we read and shared on the theme of Principles Before Expediency from As Bill Sees It. The final line of the reading struck a deep chord:
“We never thought of making honesty, tolerance, and true love of man and God the daily basis of living.”
To me, this could easily be swapped with one of AA’s most grounding mantras: “Do the next right thing.” It’s a simple phrase, but it carries profound weight. Living by it means choosing honesty, tolerance, and love—not just as ideals, but as daily practices. It’s not about perfection. It’s about direction.
A Compass for Decision-Making
“Do the next right thing” is more than a moral guideline—it’s an efficient decision-making tool. When I’m faced with a dilemma, I don’t need to spiral into overthinking or second-guessing. I just ask: What’s the next right thing? And I let that answer guide me, grounded in honesty, tolerance, and faith.
Becoming Comfortable in My Own Skin
Since I’ve started consciously trying to live this way, something unexpected has happened: I’ve become comfortable in my own skin. For the first time in my life, I’m not second-guessing myself. I’m not consumed by how others perceive me. I’m simply doing me—cutting my own track. I’m not embarrassed to be a recovering alcoholic. I’ve accepted the things I cannot change, and I’m learning to live with grace.
The Forgiveness Chasm
Tonight, several speakers shared about the pain of not receiving forgiveness from family members, even while doing their best to live honestly and with tolerance. That resonated deeply. It made me realize something: Doing the next right thing is how we begin to close the forgiveness chasm.
When we try to rush forgiveness—saying what others want to hear just to smooth things over—we’re putting expediency before principles. And ironically, that widens the gap. But when we stay true to the next right thing, even if it’s slow, even if it’s hard, we build a bridge across that chasm—one plank at a time.
Final Thought
This journey isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and trusting that principles—honesty, tolerance, and love—will carry us further than expediency ever could.
About Jason Bresnehan
Jason is the founder of Evahan, a consultancy dedicated to helping individuals and organizations build both financial and legacy wealth. With over 30 years of leadership across sectors and continents, he brings commercial acumen, strategic insight, and lived experience to every engagement. His work spans business transformation, venture management, and M&A, always grounded in a belief that ideas—shared with clarity, balance, and respect—can improve individuals, families, communities, and society.
A strong advocate for freedom, limited government, and enterprise-driven progress, Jason also draws deeply from his personal recovery journey—an experience that reshaped his life and fuels his commitment to growth, contribution, and principled living. Through writing, speaking, and service, he continues to learn, share, and speak with purpose.
I can be engaged (on a remunerated or volunteer basis) to sit on Boards, Committees, Advisory and Reference Group Panels, and to speak to Business, Community, and Youth groups. I’m also open to providing comment to media on topics where I have relevant experience or insight. Please feel free to make contact.