Examination of Conscience with the Virtues
A Deeper Reflection to Prepare for Reconciliation
Striving for Virtue in Light of the Seven Deadly Sins
Generosity (overcoming greed/avarice)
Giving good things to others freely and abundantly
"Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40
Am I a good steward with my resources? Do I live beyond my means or spend money frivolously?
Do I meditate on simplicity of life, especially in light of those who struggle financially?
Do I reflect on my responsibility before God to be a good steward of my resources, including providing for the needs of others?
Do I cultivate an awareness of the needs of others, especially those who struggle financially or the less fortunate and seek to show God's compassion for them?
Am I generous with my time, talent/gifts, and treasure? Do I give cheerfully?
Am I resentful at the success of others? Do I practice being content with what I have materially, knowing that spiritual wealth is far more valuable?
Have I cheated, stolen, or wasted money frivolously through gambling?
Do I trust in God to help provide for my needs?
Temperance (overcoming gluttony/overindulgence)
Using all things in moderation.
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, whom you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your bodies." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do l make food/drink/pleasures of this world too important or use them in excess?
Do I incorporate fasting and practice delayed gratification or mortification of my body to live more according to the Spirit rather than according to the flesh?
Do I misuse alcohol or drugs? Do l temper my love or use of any good thing, knowing that created things can never fully satisfy the desire of my soul?
Love (overcoming lust/inappropriate desires of the flesh)
Willing the good of the other.
"For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God..." 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
Do I keep custody of my eyes, thoughts, and speech? (Philippians 4:8)
Am I chaste in my actions with self and others, according to my state in life?
Do I dress and speak with modesty?
Do I avoid TV, movies, music, books, or internet sites that are unchaste?
Have I flirted with or encouraged romantic affections from others who have already committed to a particular vocation or are in a committed relationship?
Do I honor my vows in marriage or consecrated life or priestly promises? Do I proactively live in ways that are consistent with this commitment and help me grow in faithfulness to them?
Do I avoid occasions of sin and the appearance of sin (scandal) and live in a way that is above reproach as a witness to others?
Humility (overcoming pride/vanity)
Embracing the truth of who we are before God and others.
"Thy kingdom come, thy will be done..." Matthew 6:10
Am I seeking to do God's will in my life, trusting He will lead me in His time and way and help me to accomplish it?
Do I strive to conform my mind and heart to the mind and heart of Christ and His Church?
Do I pray, setting time aside for Christ each day, knowing that He is the Vine and we are the branches, "apart from Him I can do nothing?"
Have I been self-centered or selfish? Do I seek my will and my way? Do I have an inflated value of my opinion? Have I been boastful, arrogant, or held others in contempt?
Have I been oversensitive having an excessive concern for my feelings and how others have hurt me? Do I hold onto resentment and bitterness?
Do I seek to hear God's voice through the Scriptures, His living Word? Do I seek His face in the least among us and those in need?
Do I honor God's name and avoid cursing or making inappropriate jokes about God or sacred things/people?
Do I honor my parents and those in authority giving them the respect due to them?
Do I seek to do things for God's glory and purify my motives so as not to do them for vanity?
Do I seek to use my gifts for God, my vocation, and in service to others?
Do I live out my responsibilities with trust that, even in disappointments and failures, God's Providence works through it?
Gratefulness (overcoming envy/jealousy)
Giving thanks for all that we are and have at all times.
"Rejoice with those who rejoice..." Romans 12:15
Am I grateful for the many graces and gifts God has given me? Do I thank Him often for these gifts?
Do I speak well of others and rejoice in the gifts and successes of others? Do I recognize that each person is given unique gifts all for the building up of the Body of Christ?
Am I envious or jealous of others' appearance, possessions, gifts, ideas, or relationships?
Do I acknowledge and develop the gifts God has given me?
Have I lessened another's good name or reputation through my conversations, whether true or untrue? Do I avoid speaking ill of others and sharing things about another that is not necessary to share?
Justice/Mercy (overcoming anger/wrath)
Giving to each their due in light of Christ's sacrifice and our call to holiness.
"Bear with one another and forgive one another...Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you." Colossians 3:13
Do I practice patience and mercy with others? Am I quick to forgive the faults and failings of others, knowing that I too have them? Do I give others the benefit of the doubt?
Do I seek to take revenge, hurt another with my words, or hold on to resentment or bitterness?
Do I receive the mercy that God offers me? Do I tell others of His unfathomable mercy?
Do I forgive and show mercy as I have been shown by Christ?
Faithfulness to grace/Fortitude (overcoming sloth/spiritual laziness)
Steadfastness in following the will of God.
"Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling little things..." Matthew 25:23
Am I faithful to my duties to God and His call in my state in life (marriage, family, work, school, church) giving them their just due with my time, availability, and gifts?
Do I overcome the temptation to procrastine and practice self-denial to overcome sloth and spiritual laziness? Do I persevere in my duties even when it is difficult or requires sustained effort to do so?
Am I hard-working and give my best effort in whatever I do? Do I intentionally strive to live in the present moment to be present to God, myself, and others as best as I am able?
Do I live an ordered life that includes: daily prayer, getting reasonable sleep, healthy eating, exercise, and making time for spouse/family and friendships?
Do I cultivate a healthy sense of leisure that helps me grow in relationship with others and cultivate a sense of the good, true, and beautiful in my life?
Am I impulsive in commitments or inconstant with my actions (imprudence)?
Revised from: Mount St. Mary’s University