Life Journey Ministries

Small Group Bible Study & Prayer Support

I. Bible Passage(s)

Galatians 5:22 …the fruit of the Spirit is…joy

Since faith expresses itself through love, you can check your love for others as a way to monitor your faith.  However, although love encompasses all of the fruits of the Spirit, Paul says there are other evidences of Christ’s control in our life.  Joy is perhaps one of the most outward signs of a healthy faith that welcomes the other.

Joy comes to us by the grace of God through the work of the Holy Spirit in us.  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

Our joy is found in abiding in Christ Jesus, and does not waiver because of our circumstances.  You can check your joy in Jesus as a way to monitor your faith.

II. Discussion

1. What is your response to changes going on in your workplace?  How can your response align with the true meaning of Christian joy which comes from the hope that is yours in Christ?
   
2. How can the hope and joy you have in Christ strengthen you to do the duties of your station and vocation right now? How can you express your hope and joy to coworkers without diluting their concerns, anger and fear?
   
3. Without naming names, talk about someone you know whose joy did not waiver because of his/her circumstances. What did it say to you about faith and trust in the Lord?

Remember that love is of value.  Love is seeking and doing what is best for the other.

1. Share the high points and low points of your week. Why do you see these as highs and lows? How are they impacting your life right now?
   
2. This week I want to thank God for...
   
3. This week God is leading me to confess or grow in...

The prayer of the cross can be a helpful guide for prayer and praise. Simply picture a cross in your mind. Label the top of the cross “Praise and Adoration of God.” Label the base of the cross “Requests.” On the cross bar, label the left side “Confession;” and the right side “Thanks.” These four categories help us keep our prayers well rounded.

Many people make the sign of the cross when they pray. You might like to practice this prayer while making the sign of the cross. Touch your forehead and pray your praises and adoration of God. Touch your chest and pray any requests you may have. Touch your left shoulder and make any confessions the Spirit brings to mind. Touch your right shoulder and pray your thanks.