Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Galatians 5:22-23), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• Paul could be saying that love is the chief fruit of the Spirit, with the following eight attributes (joy, peace, patience, etc.) being facets of love. What is love? How do you know? (Do you define love for yourself, or do you refer to some authority on the matter?)

• Read 1 John 4:7-21. The Triune God is love: Father and Son existing in the mutual love of the Holy Spirit. Do you believe that there is nothing more essential to God’s being and actions than love? Do you believe that the story of your life is the story of God’s love? Do you believe that you are beloved of God? Why or why not? What’s the best reason you can think of to assure yourself or someone else that you are beloved of God?

• Why should Christians love one another? Would you say that you love others with a Christ-like love? Why or why not? If not, do you think it’s possible to bear this Fruit of the Spirit? How do you think this Fruit can be cultivated in you?

• What are some practical ways in which you might be able to love others with a Christ-like love these days? Do you need others to show you love in some way before you can love them?