A New Creation is Everything!

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants answer, “What experiences have you had planting flowers or other plants? What observations can you make about waiting for the results?”–

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). Read Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16.

Can you see the relationship between verse one and verse seven? What does a “spirit of gentleness” have to do with planting? How do patience and gentleness relate to seeing something grow (plants or people)?

This passage concerns the difference between the result of cultivating our relationship with God and letting our nature run its course without restrictions.

• What might be the result of a child having no boundaries? What happens when an adult acts without any limits?

Compare your conclusions about the fruit of the Spirit (last week) with what you learned today about planting. Planting seems to be associated with a process in which patience, perseverance, and gentleness are important.

• How does that apply to the words of encouragement: “You reap whatever you sow” and “sow to the Spirit”?

Sometimes, churches are accused of being spaces of conflict, in which the works of the flesh are manifested instead of the fruit of the Spirit.

• Do you feel that is true?
• How can we help create an environment of peace and joy where people feel invited to participate?
• What recommendations would you give to your class, your church, or leaders you know? (Ask members to write at least one recommendation and then share their ideas with the whole group.)

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End with the following prayer, a similar prayer, or the Lord’s Prayer:

Gracious and loving God, we want to be instruments of peace in the world. Help us be formed and led by the Spirit everywhere we go. Amen.

Rev. Carmen Gaud was the editor of Lecciones Cristianas and curriculum resources for different ages at The United Methodist Publishing House before becoming the International Editor for The Upper Room in Spanish.