01.06.T03-AP — Action Planning Worksheet: Forgiving Offenders

Putting Forgiveness into Practice

Use this worksheet to identify an offence that you need to address and develop a practical plan for applying the forgiveness principles explored in this chapter.

1. In reference to your Reflection and Self-Assessment, is there an offence or offender that you believe you need to forgive?

☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ I am not sure

If yes, briefly describe the offence.

You do not need to identify the offender by name.

2. What thoughts or feelings towards that offender indicate that the offence may still be unresolved?

3. Is there anything you have been waiting for the offender to do before you forgive him or her?

☐ Yes
☐ No

If yes, what have you been waiting for?

4. What would it mean for you to forgive that offender without making your decision dependent on what he or she does?

5. Which forgiveness practice identified through your Self-Assessment would you particularly like to apply in dealing with that offence?

6. What would applying that practice require you to do differently?

7. Are there thoughts about the offender or offence that you need to stop repeatedly entertaining?

☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ I am not sure

If yes, which thoughts?

8. What will you do when those thoughts return?

9. Is there a previous offence that you tend to bring into your response to this offender?

☐ Yes
☐ No

If yes, what will you do differently when dealing with the current offence?

10. Which positive qualities or contributions of the offender have become difficult for you to recognise because of the offence?

11. Is there anything about the offender's circumstances or perspective that you need to consider more carefully?

☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ I am not sure

If yes, what is it?

12. What change in your words or behaviour towards the offender would demonstrate your decision to forgive?

13. Would rebuilding the relationship with the offender be appropriate in your circumstances?

☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ I am not sure

Why?

14. If reconciliation is appropriate, what first step could you take towards rebuilding the relationship?

15. Are there boundaries or precautions that you would need to maintain if the relationship is restored?

☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ I am not sure

If yes, what are they?

16. What could make it difficult for you to follow through on your decision to forgive?

17. What will you do if that difficulty arises?

Your Commitment

The offence I have decided to address is:

The forgiveness practice I will apply is:

The change I will make in my response to the offender is:

When negative thoughts or feelings towards the offender resurface, I will:

If reconciliation is appropriate, the first step I will take is:

The boundaries or precautions I need to maintain are:

I will know that I am applying forgiveness when: