WEEK 5 – Spring 2026
LIFE GROUPS – WEEK 5
ICE BREAKER:
Have you ever been in a competition where you struggled to be happy for the winner when you lost?
SCRIPTURE:
Ephesians 4:29-5:2 NIV
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 5 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Mark 12:30-31 NIV
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Proverbs 14:30 NIV
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
Proverbs 16:24 NIV
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
UNDISCIPLING Kindness - The Comparison Trap
Lie #1: Other people are your competition.
Truth: In the kingdom of God, other people are not rivals, they are neighbors.
Lie #2: Only help people who help you.
Truth: Kindness moves toward people who cannot repay you.
Lie #3: Kindness is weakness.
Truth: Kindness is strength under control.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
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In what areas of your life do you find yourself comparing yourself to others the most?
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Which of the lies about kindness have you seen shaping the way our culture treats people?
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How does pride make it harder for us to treat others with kindness?
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Can you think of a moment when someone treated you with kindness when they had nothing to gain from it?
- What is one practical way you could show kindness to someone this week who might normally feel like a competitor or rival?
Challenge
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Who is one person you are tempted to compare yourself to, compete with, or quietly resent, and what is one intentional act of kindness you can show them this week that shifts your heart from comparison to compassion?
Life Journal Reading Plan
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Day 1: Acts 8
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Day 2: Acts 9
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Day 3: Acts 10
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Day 4: Acts 11
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Day 5: Acts 12
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Day 6: Acts 13
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Day 7: Acts 14
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