Fruit of the Spirit discussion questions

Good discussion questions connect the Bible to Tuesday afternoon. Each question below comes from a real-life situation and a Bible verse. Pick one fruit per session, read the verse together, and give everyone time to answer honestly.

Questions about love

Real love waits, is kind, isn't jealous and doesn't show off.

Who is someone that might feel left out around you?
How did it feel the last time someone forgave you?
Who might need someone to notice them this week?
What's one way you could show love at home without words?
What might be underneath the sharpest words you heard this week?
Who is hard for you to love right now, and what do they need?

Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud,
1 Corinthians 13:4 (WEB)

Questions about joy

Be glad in God all the time, not only when things go well.

What was one small good thing that happened today?
When is it hard for you to be happy for someone else?
What actually gives you joy, that a screen can't?
Where does comparison steal your joy?
What small joy did you almost miss this week?
Who could use your gratitude this week?

Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4 (WEB)

Questions about peace

God's calm is bigger than we can understand, and it keeps our hearts and minds safe.

What helps you feel calm when you're scared?
When have you helped make peace?
What worry are you carrying that you could hand to God?
What part of a hard situation is yours to carry, and what isn't?
What would it look like to trust God with something you can't control?
Where could you be a peacemaker this week?

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 (WEB)

Questions about patience

Be humble and gentle, and put up with each other's faults in love.

When is waiting the hardest for you?
What are you learning that takes patience?
Who needs more patience from you than you usually give?
What are you impatient for right now?
When do you lose patience most easily?
What's one thing you could choose to overlook?

with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
Ephesians 4:2 (WEB)

Questions about kindness

Be kind and caring, and forgive each other, because God forgave you.

How do you feel when someone is kind to you?
What is something you could share this week?
Where online could you be kinder?
Who around you might need practical help?
What need around you could you meet this week?
How would you want to be treated after a mistake?

And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 (WEB)

Questions about goodness

Don't let bad things win. Beat them by doing good.

Why is it good to be honest even when nobody sees?
What does being brave and good look like for you?
When is it hardest for you to do what's right?
Who helps you make good choices?
Where is integrity costing you something right now?
What good could you do that no one would ever see?

Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21 (WEB)

Questions about faithfulness

If you can be trusted with small things, you can be trusted with big things.

What promise can you keep today?
Who is a friend you can always count on?
What does your word mean to people around you?
Where do you find it hard to stay faithful?
Who depends on your faithfulness?
What promise needs honest attention this week?

He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. He who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.
Luke 16:10 (WEB)

Questions about gentleness

A soft answer calms people down. Harsh words make them angrier.

What does a gentle voice sound like?
Who needs you to be gentle with them?
When do you find it hard to be both honest and gentle?
What would change if you replied more gently?
Where does gentleness feel like weakness to you?
How do you like to be corrected?

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1 (WEB)

Questions about self-control

God didn't give us a scared spirit, but one of power, love and a clear, steady mind.

What's the hardest thing to stop doing?
What helps you calm down when you're angry?
What habit would you like to have more control over?
What words do you wish you could take back?
Where do you most need self-control right now?
What's your usual trigger, and what's a healthy way out?

For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7 (WEB)

FAQ

How do you lead a Fruit of the Spirit discussion?

Read Galatians 5:22-23, focus on one fruit, read one supporting verse, and ask two or three questions that start from everyday life. End with one small, specific thing each person will try this week.

Are these questions suitable for teens?

Yes. They come from situations at home, school, work and online, written at beginner, teen and adult levels.

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