Opener

1. What’s something you’ve tried to grow—plants, a project, a hobby—that didn’t go quite the way you hoped?
2. Looking back, what’s one challenge in your life that God used to grow something good in you?

Discussion Questions

1. In Genesis 2, what do the two trees represent? How do we see those two choices show up in the Biblical story or in our own lives?
2. Paul contrasts two ways of living in Galatians 5:13-26. What are they, and in what ways are these two ways of living at odds with one another?
3. Why do you think Paul calls these qualities the “fruit of the Spirit”?
4. Which fruit of the Spirit stands out to you most in this passage? Why?

Application

1. The Holy Spirit grows fruit in us, but not without our participation. What do you think our role is in that partnership?
2. Where do you find yourself choosing to “do life on your own terms” instead of trusting God’s way?
3. What current frustration, conflict, or challenge might actually be an opportunity God is using to grow spiritual fruit in you?

Closing

Identify one person you’ll intentionally love, encourage, forgive, or serve this week as a way of letting someone else “taste” the fruit God is growing in you.

Prayer Prompt

Spend a few minutes asking the Holy Spirit to:
Reveal one area where you’ve been resisting His work,
give you courage to embrace the challenge He’s using to grow you,
and produce fruit that blesses someone else this week.