‘The Fruit of the Spirit’ is a topic I have had multiple families request. But it is also a topic I have been very hesitant to approach.
Often times ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ Studies for children hold promises of ‘character growth,’ and instilling ‘Christian values.’ You won’t find that here. That’s not to say that the fruits aren’t Christian virtues. That’s not to say we, as Christians, shouldn’t aim to live this way, more like Christ. All of that is true!
However, everytime Paul encourages the believers to produce these fruits, we see him encouraging this because of the believers’ faith in Christ. Their faith lived out in love! Love, because we are rooted in the knowledge of how much God loves us.
Often we approach The Fruit of the Spirit, encouraging children to grow fruit. But neglecting to plant the seeds of faith. It’s like showing the ground an apple, and saying ‘make this!’ Yet we haven’t taken the time to till the soil or plant the seeds.
So in this study, we’re going to take a step back and plant the seeds. We’ll show how the Fruit of the Spirit is evident in the Character of God and the life of Jesus. Rooting our children in the everlasting love of God.
The fruit of the Spirit is not something we can grow on our own. It is a natural process in the believers’ life when we abide in the love God, and faith in the work of Christ. So let’s show our children how much God loves them. Let’s plant seeds of faith. And in due time, we can trust, it will reap a harvest
Download the Fruit of the Spirit Study
What’s Inside:
This study includes recommendations for ways to explore the Fruit of the Spirit with both preschoolers and elementary schoolers, based on their development.
For older kids and parents, it also includes links to recommended resources for exploring the context surrounding the Fruit of the Spirit and Galatians as a whole:
For kids:
–‘Galatians’ video by Crossroads Kids’ Club
–The Fruit of the Spirit’ video by Crossroads Kids’ Club
For grown-ups:
–My Strange Bible: The Spirit and the Fruit (Disclaimer: in this podcast, Tim Mackie discusses human sexuality as discussed in the scripture, holding to a non-affirming theological perspective. I note this, so you can decide whether you want to listen with little ears around, and also as a matter of care for those of us who hold to an affirming theological perspective. I think regardless of our stance on this specific matter, there’s a lot to glean from this episode).
The Lessons:
There is a lesson for each of the fruit, exploring where we seeing the fruit evident in the Character of God and the life of Jesus.
Each lesson references a scripture passage that can easily be read straight from the Bible. However, I know that for some, pairing this with a storybook Bible or illustrated version can be helpful. I have provided links to versions of the stories in YouTube and Spotify so that access to a storybook Bible won’t be a barrier to participating.
In addition, each lesson has a simple prayer, including a short description of how we see the fruit displayed in the story. As well as a simple way to play with the story. For children, play is prayer. It is a way they process, explore, and express their thoughts. Inviting our children to play with these stories is an invitation to pray and contemplate the scriptures at hand.
Good Fruit
This introductory lesson includes a link to a read-aloud of Maybe God is Like That Too by Jennifer Grant. This book affirms that the fruit of the Spirit are what God’s like and what we become like the closer we get to Jesus.
The Fruit of the Spirit’ by Slugs and Bugs
Los Frutos del Espíritu’ by Marilú y los Niños
-‘Fruit of the Spirit in ASL’ by Dr. Wondershop
Love
This lesson emphasizes that we most clearly see the Love of God through the Gospel of Christ. It includes links to read-alouds of various books that share the Gospel in ways littles can understand.
–God’s Very Good Idea by Trillia Newbell; Spanish version: : La Gran Idea de Dios
–The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross by Carl Laferton; Spanish version: El Jardín, la Cortina, y la Cruz
Joy
We see God’s joy through the Parable of the Lost coin. In the same way the woman rejoices over finding the coin, so God rejoices when we come home.
–The Parable of the Lost Coin by Saddleback Kids
– La Parábola de la moneda perdida by Saddleback Kids
Peace
We see Jesus bring peace to the storm.
-‘Jesus Calms the Storm’ by Saddleback Kids
–Jesús Calma la Tormenta’ by Saddleback Kids
Patience
God displays patience with Gideon. When God asked Gideon to lead the Israelites, Gideon asked for not one, but two signs, despite already seeing an angel. But God was not annoyed with Gideon. Neither did he give up on Gideon. Instead, he gave him every sign he asked for and one more! God was patient with Gideon, and met him where he was at.
–Historias de la Biblia con Kids CDV
Kindness
We see God’s Kindness in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. When the son returns home, having wasted his inheritance, the Father does not rebuke him, or cast him out. Instead, he embraces the son with open arms and kindness. In the same way, this is how God is when his children return.
–The Prodigal Son (Wordless) by Crossroads Kids’ Club
Goodness
We see God’s goodness through the creation story, and all the good things God creates.
-‘Good News! It’s Creation!’ by Glenys Nellist
–‘Creation’ by Saddlebackback Kids
-‘La Creación’ by Saddleback Kids
Faithfulness
God was faithful to his promise to Abraham.
–God’s Promise for Abraham’ by Saddleback Kids
–Abraham y Sara’ by Pequeños Heroes
Gentleness
We see God’s gentleness on display in the story of the lost sheep. The shepherd is not angry with the sheep for getting lost. Instead he searches until the sheep is found. Then he gently picks it up and carries it home.
–Little Ewe: The Story of One Lost Sheep by Laura Sassi
-‘El Buen Pastor’ (Wordless) by Eternity
Self-control
We see self-control evident in the life of Jesus at his temptation in the wilderness.
–The Temptation of Jesus’ by Saddleback Kids
– ‘Jesús es Tentado’ by Saddleback Kids
Extras
This study also includes tips for exploring the metaphor ‘spiritual gardening’ with children. As well as scripture memory resources for memorizing the fruit of the Spirit.
Baby Devotions 