accepting or judging?

I am glad you said something kind to her. That was really nice. Keep doing that.
Love/Accept that person, but set boundaries--even if that is not in near future and you give her A LOT of grace in the interim (it probably should NOT be right away). Eventually, (and I do not have the wisdom to know when exactly) if they do not comply with requests to respect others in the room, you can push them away gently but firmly.

Open Heart said:

Yesterday at NA a newcomer shared. The moment she opened her mouth it was filled with racist remarks about blacks and interracial babies and the swastika tattoo she had. She got a lot of laughs to her jokes, but I know there were also people there who were heavily offended: mexicans and jews and people who just didn't like racism.

I couldn't stand to listen to her, and got up to use the restroom.

Then I felt bad about my behavior. After all she was an addict just like me, and needed to be welcomed. There had been others who had come in with racist attitudes who had been healed of their hate by NA. And so I went out of my way to say something kind to her.

I'm still divided by this. Part of me says, "I don't like her and I won't be friends with her." Where is the line?

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Hi Openheart,

I know what you're going through, I used to attend NA regularly and had similar experiences. My issue was primarily that NA was the focus for healing, rather than Christ who is the only one that changes us from the inside out and removes the desires of addiction. The program is helpful in creating a stable environment with boundaries and fellowship, however with so many people that are regularly relapsing and having them as friends and accountability partners, made it tough for me to stay clean.
I found a group called CR, celebrate recovery that is offered at churches for people with addictions. Specifically its for those who have hurts, habits, and hangups...I liked that because I have plenty of all three.

Anyways, in regards to this newcomer, as Jesus says to hate the sin but not the sinner. Pray for her healing and deliverance, then set a good example say when having a smoke break and talking about things, just be extra careful not to pick up on her foul language in order to get to know her. She probably has had a lot of painful things happen to her to cause such hatred...but that does not make it ok. Saying racial slurs and rude remarks is not a very good idea with a lot of people that are on edge.

I wish you the best in your recovery and accept this girl as she is, give her to God, and see how much prayer will do if you use your energy for God's glory.

Blessings in Christ!