Examination of Conscience on the Small Virtues of Christian Life

1. Concrete charity and kindness
– Do I treat everyone with respect and consideration, even those I dislike or who bother me?
– Do I notice when someone needs help or a listening ear?
– Do I shut myself off in my own world, ignoring others?

2. Forgiveness and benevolence
– Do I forgive the small wrongs I receive?
– Do I hold small grudges or think ill of others without reason?
– Do I try to understand others before judging them?
– Do I know how to distinguish between the person and their mistake?
– Do I know how to be tolerant (tolerance is not the same as justifying or accepting evil)?

3. Meekness and self-control
– Am I able to control my temper in difficult moments?
– Can I bear small annoyances without getting irritated or responding abruptly?
– Do I let myself be dominated by the mood of the moment?
– Is it true that my state of mind depends more on me than on circumstances?

4. Humility and truth about oneself
– Do I know how to recognise my limits and accept corrections?
– Do I take myself too seriously and can I laugh at myself?
– Do I not constantly compare myself with others, trying to appear better?

5. Sincerity and loyalty
– Am I honest and loyal with myself and with others?
– Do I keep my word and avoid lies and exaggerations?
– Do I make excuses to cover my mistakes?

6. Use of words
– Do I speak with respect, avoiding harsh words, malicious irony and gossip?
– Am I offensive or thoughtless in my speech?
– Do I know when it is better to be silent?
– Do my words build up or hurt?

7. Faithfulness in small duties
– Do I organise my day well?
– Do I finish what I have to do without procrastinating or doing things superficially?
– Am I punctual for appointments, at work, for prayer?
– Do I waste time on useless things?

8. Spirit of service and responsibility
– Do I make myself available to help at home, in the family, and at work?
– Do I do my duty even when it is difficult, without always doing the bare minimum?
– Do I avoid responsibilities, thinking only of what I enjoy?

9. Sobriety and simplicity
– Do I live with simplicity and moderation, avoiding waste?
– Do I know how to be content or do I always seek to have more?
– Do I let myself be dominated by comforts?

10. Gratitude and joy
– Am I grateful to God, to my family and to those who have helped me?
– Do I recognise the good I receive? Do I know how to say thank you?
– Do I take everything for granted?
– Do I only see what I lack?
– Do I complain constantly?

11. Custody of the heart and thoughts
– Do I try to have good thoughts towards others, without suspicion or hasty judgements?
– Do I cultivate bitterness, distrust or useless negativity within myself?

12. Presence of God in small things
– Do I remember God during the day and offer Him even the simplest actions?
– Do I try to do everything with love, believing that small things done well for God have value?
– Do I live as if God were far from my daily life?