It Starts Small

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. ²⁴ Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Galatians 5:22-26

Paul gives us an amazing list of the characteristics of God that are worked through us, through the Holy Spirit. These are not individual but a whole. All of these will be evident in our lives when we walk with the Holy Spirit.

Can I challenge you today, to take each of these qualities and find a key verse for each quality. Write out a definition for each quality. Provide at least one example from everyday life. Describe someone you have seen who exhibited this characteristic. Explain how they showed it. Then write a give a specific application for how to improve that character quality. Then choose one area you are weak in. Write down three specific ways you can demonstrate that character quality this week.

Joy

Love

• 1 Corinthians 16:14
• 1 John 4:8
• Proverbs 17:22
• 1 Peter 1:8

Peace

• John 16:33
• Isaiah 26:3

Patience

• Psalm 37:7-8
• Ecclesiastes 7:9

Kindness

• Proverbs 11:17
• Ephesians 4:32 .

Goodness

• Psalm 31:19
• Romans 12:9

Faithfulness

• Proverbs 28:20
• Luke 16:10-12

Gentleness

• Proverbs 15:1
• Matthew 11:29

Self-control

• Proverbs 25:8
• Proverbs 16:32

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Discussion Questions

• What contrast does the “but” in verse 22 introduce?
• How can we be more fruitful in these areas?
• What does Paul mean that “against such there is no law”?
• What does verse 24 mean?
• How do we crucify the flesh with its passions?

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