What happened?

Use objective language to describe the encounter as if an impartial observer.

1. Set the scene: Where, at what time, with whom, and in what context did the encounter occur? 
2. Who was the other person? Describe them. In what state did you find them—physically, emotionally, medically, spiritually, etc.? What did you learn about them and the community or social circle that you experienced them within?
3. What happened? What did they say or do? How did you respond? 

How did you experience the encounter?

Describe your internal, subjective experience of the encounter. 

Ex. “I felt…” 

“What stood out to me was…”

1. What was your initial impression of the person?
2. How did your emotional state change as a result of that interaction?
3. How would you describe the encounter (ex. Challenging, rewarding, surprising, etc.?
4. If you could replay the encounter again, is there anything you would do differently?

How has the encounter 

formed you?

1. In what ways did you notice the other person’s dignity?
2. How was God at work in your encounter with that person? In what way might God be drawing you towards “completeness” through this interaction?
3. Is there a Scripture passage that is relevant or similar to this encounter? How was this encounter an invitation to love like Christ?