Our class just finished this book by James Hallam. It covers eighteen different laudable human characteristics (e.g., Love, Compassion, Listening, Time, and Generosity) . We finished the book in six sessions, covering multiple gifts each week. It’s an easy read, and fodder for great discussion.
Since the author is the uncle of one of our class members, we had the privilege of having him launch the series with us via Zoom. Hallam is an engaging and insightful pastor who brings to light how these God-given qualities apply both in our relationships with others and also with ourselves.
Here’s the full list of gifts Hallam chose to cover:
- Love
- Kindness
- Empathy
- Compassion
- Helpfulness
- Presence
- Listening
- Touch
- Acceptance
- Affirmation
- Time
- Patience
- Friendship
- Vulnerability
- Forgiveness
- Gratitude
- Generosity
- Legacy
It’s tough to go wrong with that list! When I asked Hallam if there was a human gift, in retrospect, he might have added to the list, he quickly replied “Humor.” I think that gives you a peek into his personality.
Unlike the other series on this site, I’ve lumped all eighteen gifts into a single, long, lesson plan. In this way, you can choose your pace as you move through them, perhaps covering more or less than a few each session. Hallam lists several discussion questions at the end of each chapter which you could use to supplement the questions I provide. Obviously some of mine were drawn from, or overlap his.
Let me know how your group liked this series in the comments below.