Unforgiveness, bitterness and regret keep us from moving ahead with healed and open hearts. Use the questions below as springboards for reflection, prayer and, potentially, moving toward greater relational healing and wholeness.
List the relationships that have been difficult for you. These can be people you have worked closely with, as well as individuals you don’t know well, such as rude neighbors down the street, or the post office clerk whom you dread encountering, etc.
Are you aware of whether or not you have been the cause of hurt to anyone with whom you have worked?
Have you asked for forgiveness, made restitution, reconciled?
Were you faithful to your co-workers? Friends? Those to whom you minister?
If not, what may the Holy Spirit be calling you to do? For further help moving toward peace in your relationship(s), see Appendix: Peace Pursuit
Did someone else hurt you in these past years?
Have you found a way to forgive that person, and apply grace to the hurts you have received?
If not, what may the Holy Spirit be calling you do? For further help moving toward peace in your relationship(s), see Appendix: Peace Pursuit
Did someone you love get hurt by someone else?
How has this offense or hurt effected you? For further help moving toward peace in your relationship(s), see Appendix: Peace Pursuit
Before you depart, what steps can you take to bless these people in the Spirit of Jesus, who teaches us to return blessing for curses?
What regrets do you have, if any? (These might be actions you took…or didn't take. They might be relationships you cultivated, or didn’t cultivate.)
Spend some time listening to God. What are your emotions as you listen for God's communication? What might God be communicating to you at this time?
Is the Holy Spirit calling you to repent?
Do you need to apologize to someone? If you publicly erred, how can you publicly apologize? When can you do this? What are the concrete steps you need to take to make this happen?
What might God be asking you to do...to become...to set aside, etc.?
Are there any intentional commitments or decisions that you desire to make for the future?
How do you feel you have failed? (You can include aspects of enculturation, relationships, vocational achievements, etc.)
What impact has this had upon you?
How do you feel about it now?
How have you responded to failure over the years? (Do you see any differences between earlier on and the present?)
What have your greatest achievements and victories been?
What impact have these had upon you?
How do you feel about your victories and achievements these days?
How have you responded to them over the years? (Do you see any differences between earlier on and the present?)
What – and how – do you want to celebrate as you come to the end of your time here?