LIFE Group Study Guide
The Fruit of the Spirit - Summer 201 5
Session 7 – The Fruit of the Spirit is… KINDNESS
Intro:
Say, “In 1957, Dr. Seuss introduced a character to the world known as ‘The Grinch.’ In the
famous cartoon the song lyric says, ‘You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch.’ How many famous, mean
villains can you think of from either movies or books? What qualities does an effective mean
villain have?”
Or you can ask, “Several years ago, a multi-country, multi-ethnic European survey revealed that
the number one quality people want in a future spouse is kindness. Why do you think people
desired that more than any other quality?”
Sermon:
Let’s discuss the sermon from this morning that focused on the fruit of the Spirit which is
kindness. What was the theme of the sermon? What did you take away from the sermon?
What about it challenged you?
Scripture:
Have someone read 1 John 3:16-20 and Luke 6:27-36
Questions:

“There’s just a meanness in this world.” When you look at the culture, what evidences do you
see of cruelty and meanness?

Can you remember a time that meanness was more personal—either you were mean or
someone was mean to you?

Kindness can be difficult to define. What is it? [It is a desire for the happiness of another
person, a desire to move towards them with grace no matter who they are or what they are
facing.]

Kindness is more of an inward disposition than an outward action. Why does this distinction
matter?

Can you think of a time when you did a good deed for someone but did it with an unkind heart?

Because of the fall, the Bible indicates that every good deed is tainted by impure motives. Why
is this difficult to believe?

How does our sin nature prevent us from being kind? [selfishness, pride, envy] Can you think of
some personal examples?

Why is it impossible for a pride and kindness to co-exist in the heart? Why is it impossible for
envy and kindness to co-exist in the heart?

How do we demonstrate our selfishness, pride, or envy in our relationships, in the church, and
in society?

Only the Holy Spirit can change our heart and make us kind people. What three ways were
mentioned in the sermon that can cultivate kindness?
o Ask Jesus to help us see all people as valuable since we are all made in the
image of God. What kinds of behaviors indicate that we might be de-valuing
others?
o Ask Jesus to show us how to be humble. Why is humility important for the
development of kindness?
o Ask Jesus to help us remember His kindness towards us. How has Jesus been
kind to sinners such as us?

Prayer:
How can the fruit of the Spirit which is kindness help us advance the gospel?
End the discussion with a time of prayer, asking Jesus to help us grow in kindness. Invite group
members to repent of sinful actions and attitudes that are unkind, especially towards lost
people. Ask Jesus to not only grow them in kindness, but to use this fruit as a way to be set
apart in a culture that is cruel and mean. Thank Him for His kindness towards you.