A Christian self-spiritual examination is a personal practice of reflecting on one’s relationship with God, one’s behavior, and one’s spiritual growth according to Christian teachings. It often involves prayerful introspection, repentance, and a commitment to aligning more closely with the example of Jesus Christ. Many Christians engage in self-examination regularly as part of their spiritual discipline, and especially during certain seasons like Lent.

Here are some components of a Christian self-spiritual examination:

1. Prayerful Preparation and Inviting the Holy Spirit

  • Begin in Prayer: Start with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal areas in need of growth and transformation. This step is an invitation for divine guidance and illumination to see oneself honestly and with humility.
  • Surrendering to God: Approach the examination with openness to God’s will, setting aside personal defensiveness and allowing God to reveal both strengths and weaknesses.

2. Reflection on Relationship with God

  • Time in Prayer and Scripture: Reflect on the quality and consistency of personal time spent in prayer, worship, and reading the Bible. Ask, “Am I prioritizing time with God?” and “Is my relationship with God deepening?”
  • Faith and Trust in God: Examine whether faith and trust in God are present in both good and challenging times. Questions like, “Do I trust God with my struggles and fears?” can help assess reliance on God.
  • Repentance and Humility: Reflect on areas of pride, selfishness, or self-reliance, and ask for forgiveness. “Where have I failed to humble myself before God?” is a question that can reveal areas for spiritual growth.

3. Examination of Love for Others

  • Love and Forgiveness: Reflect on interactions with others, asking, “Have I shown love and forgiveness, as Christ taught?” Jesus’s command to love others as oneself (Mark 12:31) provides a framework for evaluating relationships and interactions.
  • Compassion and Kindness: Consider whether actions and words have been compassionate and kind, especially towards those in need or those who are difficult to love. “Did I respond to others with patience, kindness, and understanding?” is a helpful question.
  • Avoidance of Judgment and Gossip: A Christian self-examination often involves reflection on whether one has refrained from judging or speaking ill of others. Asking, “Have I spoken negatively about others or judged them unfairly?” can be illuminating.

4. Awareness of Sins and Areas for Repentance

  • Reflection on Commandments: A common approach is to examine one’s life in light of the Ten Commandments, which address both outward behaviors and inner attitudes like coveting, dishonoring parents, and idolatry.
  • Confession of Specific Sins: Identify specific actions, attitudes, or thoughts that fall short of Christian teachings, asking God for forgiveness. Honesty in this examination leads to genuine repentance and a commitment to change.
  • Areas of Neglect: Beyond sins of commission, reflect on sins of omission — things left undone. Ask, “Where have I failed to do good or neglected an opportunity to show love and serve?”

5. Assessment of Obedience to Christ’s Teachings

  • Following the Teachings of Jesus: Reflect on Jesus’s teachings about humility, generosity, and service, asking, “Am I following Jesus’s example in my actions and relationships?”
  • Fruit of the Spirit: Reflect on the qualities of the Holy Spirit’s work in one’s life, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Consider which of these are present and which need nurturing.
  • Service and Generosity: Assess whether one is actively serving others, particularly the poor and marginalized, and giving generously. “Am I living generously and sacrificially, as Christ did?”

6. Gratitude and Praise

  • Gratitude for God’s Blessings: Take time to list blessings and give thanks to God. Reflecting on gratitude can renew a sense of humility and dependence on God’s goodness.
  • Praise for God’s Faithfulness: Remembering God’s past faithfulness and blessings strengthens faith. Ask, “How has God been present in my life, and how have I acknowledged Him?”

7. Reflection on Growth and Spiritual Disciplines

  • Progress in Spiritual Life: Reflect on spiritual growth over time, considering whether faith, love, and obedience to God’s commandments have increased.
  • Consistency in Spiritual Practices: Assess the regularity of prayer, worship, Bible reading, and other spiritual disciplines. Reflect on questions like, “Am I consistent in my devotion to God and disciplined in my spiritual practices?”
  • Setting Spiritual Goals: Based on insights from the examination, set goals to deepen faith, grow in virtue, and become more Christ-like. Goals can include daily prayer, regular scripture study, or specific acts of service.

8. Commitment to Change and Renewal

  • Resolve to Change: Conclude with a sincere resolve to make necessary changes, asking God for the strength to grow in areas identified during the examination.
  • Seeking Accountability: Consider finding an accountability partner or spiritual mentor who can provide guidance and encouragement in areas needing improvement.
  • Renewal and Restoration: Remember that God offers forgiveness and restoration through repentance. Conclude with a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s mercy, grace, and commitment to transform lives.

Questions to Guide a Christian Self-Spiritual Examination

Here are some specific questions that may be helpful:

  • How have I loved God with my whole heart, mind, and strength?
  • Have I been a good steward of the gifts God has given me?
  • Where have I failed to love my neighbor as myself?
  • Have I been patient, kind, and humble in my interactions?
  • Am I holding on to resentment, bitterness, or anger toward anyone?
  • Have I prioritized worldly pursuits over my relationship with God?
  • Do I seek God’s will in my decisions, or do I rely on my own understanding?
  • How can I better serve my family, friends, and community?
  • What changes can I make to grow closer to God and become more Christ-like?

A Christian self-spiritual examination is a process of drawing closer to God, aligning one’s life with Christian principles, and becoming more Christ-like. Through honesty, humility, and reliance on God’s grace, the practice encourages growth and a renewed commitment to living a life of faith, love, and service.