Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness

Summary

Tonight, we concluded our Fruit of the Spirit series by exploring the concept of goodness. I engaged the students in understanding what goodness means and how it manifests in our actions. We discussed that true goodness stems from being morally good and virtuous, qualities that come from the Holy Spirit. Through interactive activities, the students shared personal interpretations of goodness and identified ways to demonstrate it in their daily lives.

I emphasized that possessing good things doesn’t make one good; rather, it is the presence of the Holy Spirit that cultivates true goodness within us. We reflected on the power of words and actions, reinforcing that they should be used to uplift and help others. Encouraging the students to apply the Fruit of the Spirit in practical ways, we focused on living out our faith through consistent acts of goodness, kindness, and integrity.

• Dinner Table Discussion Guide

  Here are five dinner table discussion guides you can use throughout this week to get your teens talking through what they’re learning.

  Discussion Guide 1: Understanding Goodness

  • Question: What does goodness mean to you? Can you share an example of a time when you saw or experienced true goodness?

  • Follow-Up: Discuss how goodness is more than just having good things but involves being morally good and virtuous. How can we show goodness in our daily lives?

  Discussion Guide 2: The Role of the Holy Spirit

  • Question: How does having the Holy Spirit in our lives help us to be good?

  • Follow-Up: Reflect on the idea that the Holy Spirit cultivates the Fruit of the Spirit within us. How can we rely more on the Holy Spirit to guide our actions and words?

  Discussion Guide 3: Power of Words

  • Question: Can you think of a time when someone’s words made a big impact on you, either positively or negatively?

  • Follow-Up: Discuss Ephesians 4:29 about using words that are good and helpful. How can we be more mindful of our words to encourage and uplift others?

  Discussion Guide 4: Acts of Kindness and Goodness

  • Question: What are some acts of kindness or goodness we can do as a family this week?

  • Follow-Up: Plan specific activities or gestures that demonstrate kindness and goodness to others. Talk about how these actions reflect our faith and bring joy to those around us.

  Discussion Guide 5: Applying the Fruit of the Spirit

  • Question: How can we apply the different Fruits of the Spirit in our lives every day?

  • Follow-Up: Review the list of the Fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control). Share practical ways to incorporate these qualities into daily interactions and decisions. How can we support each other in this endeavor?

• Sermon Outline

  Starter

  • Introduction to the final night of the Fruit of the Spirit series

  • Definition of goodness: the quality of being morally good or virtuous

  • Interactive activity: "Sit Down If..." game to engage students and illustrate examples of good things

  Message

  • Discussion on the meaning of goodness

  • Emphasis on the difference between having good things and being a good person

  • Role of the Holy Spirit in cultivating true goodness

  • Examples of people having good things but not being good

  Dig Deeper

  • Activity: Spin-the-Chair game to highlight saying positive things about others

  • Discussion on the difficulty and importance of recognizing and speaking goodness in others

  • Bible readings: Ephesians 4:29 and Galatians 6:10

  • Reflection on the power of words and actions in spreading goodness

  Application

  • Practical ways to show goodness: acts of kindness, community service, integrity

  • Encouragement to apply the Fruit of the Spirit in daily life

  • Emphasis on practicing self-control, joy, peace, faithfulness, gentleness, patience, love, kindness, and goodness

  Conclusion

  • Summary of the key points: difference between good things and being a good person, role of the Holy Spirit, power of words and actions

  • Handout of practical applications for the Fruit of the Spirit

  • Closing prayer and encouragement to continue practicing the lessons learned in the series