DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Choose the questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them.
Start Off
- What thoughts come to mind when you think of Mother’s Day? Did you do anything for Mother’s Day this year?
Reflect on God’s Word
- Read Galatians 5:22-23. Can anyone recite all nine fruit of the Spirit?
- This week’s fruit is goodness, which Ryan described as “goodness in action…aimed at someone else.” What is the difference between being “nice” and displaying biblical goodness?
- Read Ephesians 4:29. Ryan talked about three aspects of goodness, the first of which was “calling goodness out of others.” Who in your life reflects this verse and has called goodness out of you/others?
- Read Galatians 6:9-10. The second aspect of goodness was “depositing goodness into others.” Have you had the opportunity to deposit goodness into someone else, whether through a service project, mission trip, or serving somewhere in church? How did that impact you?
- Read Psalm 27:13. The third aspect was “declaring the goodness of God.” As you pause to reflect, what is something in your life right now that you can declare as the goodness of God?
Go Deeper
- Which of these three areas stand out most to you: calling goodness out of others, depositing goodness into others, or declaring the goodness of God? Why?
- Ryan said, “You are not what you did. You are not what was done to you.” Have you ever struggled with negative self-talk or believing false things about yourself? What helps interrupt those thoughts?
- As we think about goodness in action, aimed at someone else, is there another person, coworker, neighbor, or friend God may be inviting you to intentionally encourage or mentor?
Pray
- Pray that God would help us see people the way he sees them, call goodness out of others, deposit goodness into others, and declare the goodness of God.
- Share additional prayer requests and pray for one another.
VERSE TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE THIS WEEK
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29, NIV)
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (BETWEEN MEETINGS)
Day 1 — Interrupt the Negative Script
- Read Ephesians 4:29. Pay attention to how you speak to yourself today. When you notice negative self-talk, replace it with truth from God’s Word. Pray: “God, help me see myself the way you see me.”
Day 2 — Speak Life Over Someone
- Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11. Send a text, write a note, or speak encouragement to someone who may need it. Be specific about what you see in them. Pray: “Lord, use my words to build others up."
Day 3 — Deposit Goodness
- Read Galatians 6:9–10. Look for one intentional way to invest in someone today: buy a meal, offer help, mentor someone, pray for someone by name, open your home, etc. Pray: “God, help me notice opportunities to do good.”
Day 4 — Declare God’s Goodness
- Read Psalm 27:13. Start your day with worship music or spoken gratitude. Declare three ways you have seen God’s goodness in your life. Pray: “Father, remind me of Your goodness in every season.”
Day 5 — Break the Cycle
- Read Romans 12:21. Identify one unhealthy pattern, hurt, or mindset you do not want to pass on. Ask God to help you begin building a new legacy. Pray: “Jesus, help the cycle end with me and let a new legacy begin through me.