Examination of Conscience

 There are many ways to examine your conscience. Some use the Ten Commandments, a classic guide to the good to do and the evil to avoid. Others reflect on the Beatitudes, a framework for seeking blessedness. The method below begins with sayings of Jesus.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart.” (Luke 10:27)

  • When have I not set my heart on God?
  • Have I loved the things of this world or my own preferences more than God?
  • Do I listen to the Word of God and remain faithful in prayer?
  • Do I strive to learn and follow the teachings of the Church?
  • Have I hesitated to defend my faith before others? Do I fear to let others know I am a Christian?
  • Do I pray daily with sincerity, lifting my mind and heart to God, or do I merely recite words?
  • Do I ask God for help in times of temptation?
  • Do I keep God’s name holy by avoiding offensive or disrespectful language?
  • Do I participate at Mass on Sundays and holy days?
  • Have I worshiped false “gods” such as money, superstition, selfishness, or drugs?
  • Do I choose violence as a solution to problems?


“Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

  • Have I shown genuine love to my neighbor?
  • Have I taken advantage of others, or treated them in ways I would not want to be treated?
  • Have I caused scandal by my words or actions?
  • Have I been patient and loving with my family?
  • Have I obeyed and cared for my parents?
  • Have I set a good example for my children?
  • Am I faithful to my spouse, both in my heart and in my relationships with others?
  • Do I share my possessions with the needy?
  • Have I helped victims of oppression, misfortune, or poverty?
  • Do I look down on the poor, the sick, the elderly, strangers, or people of other races?
  • Do I participate in the apostolic works of the Church?
  • Do I support charities and give to those in need?
  • Am I active in my parish and supportive of the Church’s mission of unity, evangelization, and justice?
  • Do I promote justice, morality, harmony, and love in my community?
  • Have I paid my taxes and taken seriously my civic duty to vote with a well-formed conscience?
  • Do I consider the mind of the Church when forming my views on public issues, and do I communicate these views to my elected officials?
  • At work, am I honest, hardworking, and just?
  • Do I serve others out of love, or do I seek only my own advantage?
  • If I employ others, do I pay them a fair wage?
  • Have I been faithful to promises and contracts?
  • At school, do I respect teachers and classmates?
  • Do I help others learn and complete my assignments faithfully?
  • Do I respect and obey those in authority?
  • If I hold authority, do I use it for the good of others rather than for my own advantage?
  • Have I been truthful and fair in my dealings?
  • Have I injured others by lies, gossip, rash judgment, or betrayal of secrets?
  • Have I committed violence against others in word or deed?
  • Have I damaged another person’s reputation, honor, or property?
  • Have I advised or assisted in an abortion?
  • Do I harbor hatred, anger, or resentment against anyone?
  • Am I estranged from others through quarrels, insults, or unforgiveness?
  • Have I refused to testify to someone’s innocence?
  • Have I stolen or desired another’s property unjustly?
  • Have I repaired or restored what I have caused another to lose?
  • Am I willing to forgive those who have injured me?
  • Do I seek revenge or harbor thoughts of vengeance?

“Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)

  • Does the hope of eternal life guide my daily decisions?
  • Have I grown in the Spirit through prayer, self-denial, and virtue?
  • Have I tried to control my bad inclinations such as envy, greed, or gluttony?
  • Have I been proud, boastful, or domineering toward others?
  • Have I imposed my will on others instead of seeking their good?
  • Do I use my time, health, and strength for the sake of the Gospel?
  • Do I squander them on lesser things?
  • Have I been lazy or overly given to leisure?
  • Do I accept the sufferings and disappointments of life with patience?
  • Have I fasted and abstained on the days required by the Church?
  • Do I respect my body and the bodies of others through chastity?
  • Have I given in to impurity or sensuality?
  • Have I sought out entertainment, media, or conversations that lead to sin or offend Christian decency?
  • Have I led others into sin by my bad example or carelessness?
  • Have I been faithful to my marriage vows?
  • If single, have I lived chastely according to my state in life?
  • Have I acted against my conscience out of fear, hypocrisy, or human respect?
  • Do I strive to live in the true freedom of the children of God, according to the law of the Spirit?


Final Encouragement

Do not fear. Trust in God’s mercy as you prepare for Confession.
“Do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.” (Isaiah 41:10)