Fruit of the Spirit
Week 5 - Kindness
July 6th, 2025
Pastor Ezequiel Gasca

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” —Galatians 1:10 (ESV)

Are Our Judgements Kind?

“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.” —Romans 1:19-23 (ESV)

“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.” —Romans 1:28-32 (ESV)

What We Give Approval To Matters

“Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?” —Romans 2:1-3 (ESV)

Do We Take Advantage Of God’s Kindness

“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” —Romans 2:4 (ESV)

Notes:

Discussion Questions:

1 – Why is it important to know the difference in being called to be kind rather than nice as a Christ follower?

2 – What is a moment in your life you remember having experienced God’s kindness? Share this story with someone this week!

3 – Do you think sometimes Christians take advantage of God’s kindness? What are some of the dangers in doing so?

4 – Read Romans 2:4. Why is this verse so important in understanding God’s grace for us when we fall short or mess up?