“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

A Guide to Understanding Why Joy Sometimes Feels Out of Reach — and What We Can Do About It. A Companion Handout for the Thrive Teaching Series “Fruits of the Spirit.”

Scripture to Begin:"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." — Psalm 16:11 (ESV)

Section 1: When Joy Feels Missing

Let’s start by getting honest. Watch the YouTube video "Rat Race A Short Film Story by Steve Cutts." Does this reflect most of our lives? Chasing happy instead of ACTIVELY seeking Joy?

There are times when you’re doing all the “right” things: you pray, you worship, you serve, you read scripture—but something inside you still feels numb. The joy that scripture talks about—the kind that’s supposed to be your strength, your delight, your fruit—just isn’t there.

You’re not broken. You’re not failing.And most importantly,…

Things to remember:

Freedom in Christ requires understanding your true identity as a new creation, not just a forgiven version of your old self.  

• Christians are not sinners trying to please God but brand-new beings filled with God's nature

• The cross didn't improve your old life; it ended it completely  

• You're not living your life for God; you're living from His life and power

• Christians are seated in the heavenlies with Christ right now, not trying to get there  

What Are Generational Curses?

A generational curse is a repetitive pattern of behavior, sin, or trauma that passes down through family lines, often unconsciously, until it is confronted, renounced, and healed. In Scripture, we see this principle not only in Exodus 20 but also in:

• Lamentations 5:7 – “Our ancestors sinned and are no more, and we bear their punishment.”

• Ezekiel 18 – God declares that each person is responsible for their own sin, introducing a path of individual accountability and redemption.

• Galatians 3:13 – “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law,” pointing to the ultimate breaking of generational cycles through the Cross.

Core Concept: Generational curses are not permanent judgments but spiritual patterns that we can break through Christ, inner healing, and community accountability. These become filters through which we see God, others, and ourselves.

Scripture Foundation“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10)

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

I. We Know We Need Connection, But We Don’t Reach Out

·       Recovery circles say: “The opposite of addiction is connection.”

·       Scripture says: “It is not good that man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18).

·       Thrive affirms: connection is life-giving, yet many of us avoid it in our hardest moments.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”— Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

INTRODUCTION:

In our healing journey, one of the most powerful tools God gives us is community—not just friendship, but spiritual family.

Tonight’s conversation will explore what true biblical community looks like, why we often resist it, and how to move from shallow connections to life-changing relationships that bear one another’s burdens.

We’ll begin with a fascinating experiment and then walk through five key truths together.

1. WHY WE NEED COMMUNITY