Purpose: The four cornerstones to Thrive aren’t just sequential tasks — they are pillars of transformation. They are foundational work that must be established and maintained.

When individuals begin to struggle, stall, or feel spiritually distant, it’s almost always because one of these four areas has been neglected or misunderstood. Thrive is about more than recovery — it’s about abundant life in Christ.

Pillar 1 — I Can’t.

“Became willing to admit that I am powerless to overcome, make peace with, or manage my issues.”

The truth:

Self‑Control “the last one on the list…”

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and… self‑control…” — Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV)

In our recent teaching series on the Fruits of the Spirit, we explored how what most people come to realize is that, in life, what is really missing are these fruits of the spirit. The lack of these fruits are what drive compulsive behaviors, bad decisions, toxic relationships and even addictions. What we often fail to recognize is that these fruits are not a result of our own will or “trying harder or “doing better” but are only manifested and THRIVE as a result of our growing relationship with God Himself. Likewise, self‑control is not merely a human effort but a by‑product of our relationship with God and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Problem with "Just Getting Sober":

Key Verse: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” – Galatians 5:22–23 (ESV)

1. What Is Kindness? A Biblical Definition

In Scripture, kindness (Greek: chrēstotēs) refers to moral excellence, goodness of heart, and active compassion. It goes beyond “being nice” and includes mercy, generosity, grace, and integrity in action.

Kindness is more than a feeling. It’s the overflow of grace empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is both an attitude of mercy and an act of generosity—even when it’s undeserved or inconvenient.

Definition:

Kindness = Grace (a heart posture) + Generosity (an outward action)

Fishing Isn’t Catching – The Way of Faithful Patience

Fishing is called fishing because it involves waiting. If we caught fish every time we cast a line, it wouldn’t be called fishing — it would be called catching. And if we always caught something the moment we tried, there would be no need for faith, hope, or patience. Fishing requires belief in what you cannot see, and it tests your willingness to stay still, be quiet, and wait for results you can’t control.

Fishermen instinctively ask one another, “Catching anything?” Why? To build hope. It’s a way of saying, “Tell me there’s something in this water worth waiting for.” In the same way, we look to one another’s testimonies for encouragement that what we’re doing — praying, trusting, obeying — is not in vain.

There are also rules to fishing, just like obedience in our walk with God. When you take…

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life…” — 2 Peter 1:3

Goodness is not merely a moral attribute or behavior—it is a manifestation of the very nature of God within us, through the Holy Spirit. As a fruit of the Spirit, goodness is not something we produce through willpower or effort. It is the evidence of God’s life at work in us, refining us, and aligning us with His purpose.

Biblical Definition of Goodness

The Greek word used in Galatians 5:22 for goodness is “agathōsynē”, which means intrinsic goodness—especially as a quality that originates from God and is empowered by Him. It implies not just kindness, but uprightness of heart and life. This is goodness that stands firm for what is right, even when it’s costly.

Additional Scriptures on Goodness:

Opening Scripture

Philippians 4:5 – “Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.”This verse reminds us that gentleness is not passivity—it’s intentional softness rooted in the nearness of God. It is strength under control, compassion in action.

Topic: Gentleness – A Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23 The fruit of the Spirit includes gentleness, which is often overlooked but deeply powerful. It is the posture of Christ toward the broken, the sinner, the confused, and the fearful. It is our calling in how we relate to ourselves, one another, and the world.

Gentleness is not weakness: Gentleness is a purposeful and intentional withholding of one’s strength, wrath, power and authority to extend love, mercy and grace to others. Gentleness is the very nature of God. Jesus is the embodiment of gentleness, the perfect example of God’s love, mercy and grace. To be a Christian does not mean…

1. Foundation: What Is Peace?

• Definition (Biblical):

  Peace (Greek: eirēnē) means harmony, wholeness, completeness, rest, or security — something far deeper than the absence of conflict.

  • John 14:27 — “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.”

  • Philippians 4:7 — “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

• Contrast: Worldly Peace vs. God’s Peace