StartForgiving Process Step One - based on Forgiveness: A Catholic Approach Page 1 StartForgiving.com © Daughters of St. Paul. This can be copied freely. www.pauline.org

StartForgiving.com

Step One: Turn Toward God The forgiveness we’re called to offer is a decision, a process, and a gift. It’s a decision because by forgiving, we choose to let go of any desire for revenge or retaliation, and free ourselves of the bitterness and resentment that harden our hearts. 1. Pain Inventory. How does the statement above make you feel? (Do not try to answer “correctly.” Write what you truly feel, for that is the place where you begin the journey of forgiveness. Until we know where we are, we can’t see how to go forward. Here you can discover the depth of pain from which you are still suffering.) _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 2. Forgiveness inventory. Reflecting back on your recent or more distant personal history, make a simple list of any names or incidents that are still unresolved and which need the gift of forgiveness. Take your time with this and be gentle with the acceptance and acknowledgement of the losses or the hurts that you have sustained. _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 3. Journal. On the other side of the paper, complete the sentence: Dear God, when I look back over my life, this is what I’d like to say to you…. (Write quickly and honestly whatever comes to mind.) When you have finished the letter, place it in an envelope addressed to God and tuck it away until you finish the Forgiveness Steps.