Fruit of the Spirit – joy
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Video Questions
- How did joy show up in the story from the video?
- How was this joy the result of being connected to the Spirit?
Joy is deep and abiding contentment during all seasons of life that is born out of a life of service which brings glory to God.
Scripture
Read Matthew 5.1-12:
1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
- How can we find joy in the Lord in any and all circumstances?
- How can we help one another find joy when we are hurting?
General Questions
- What about God brings you joy in your life?
- In what practical ways can you stay connected to the joy that only God can bring?
- What role does community play in living a life of joy?
- Are there ways we can prevent one another from experiencing joy? How can we avoid doing these things?
- How are evangelism (sharing and embodying the good news of Jesus and his kingdom) and joy connected?
- How can we bring true joy to our neighbors, friends, and coworkers (including those who are far from God)?
Challenge
What is the one area of your life where you are least content? Spend some time this week examining that area. How can you lean on God’s goodness more? How can you demonstrate your trust in him?
Prayer
Father, our joy can come only from you. As we think back on all you have done for us, we can’t help but smile and feel true contentment in you! You are our everything! Without you we are nothing, and without you we will never find true joy. Please forgive us for substituting your joy with false joys that we find in the things of this world, others, and even ourselves. Teach us to turn to you always by the example of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.