And I’m not talking about the fruit that you eat.

I’m talking about the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 states:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

A few months ago I kept thinking about how important this verse is in everyday life and I knew we had to teach it to our children. So I ordered a few supplies and began teaching them what it means to be filled with the fruit of the Spirit. 

 

We often talk about “patient pomegranate” as patience doesn’t come naturally and how the Holy Spirit can help to give us patience. There have been days when I have prayed out loud, “Lord, please give me more patient pomegranate” and our children know exactly what I mean. That night Grace prayed, “God, thank you for giving mommy patient pomegranate.” 

 

Here are a few practical ways I’m teaching the fruit of the Spirit to our children while reminding myself as well:

  • Fruit of the Spirit cards by Daily Grace Co. A card for each fruit with a verse on the back. We put our cards on the table and at breakfast each morning we discussed the “fruit of the day.”  Throughout the day we continued to talk about ways we can show love, be patient, extend kindness, have self-control… you get the point. It’s important to show and explain how these are played out during our day. I am sure to praise them when they show a specific fruit in their actions.
  • The Fruit of the Spirit board book by Daily Grace Co. This book goes a little deeper on each fruit in a way children can understand with additional verses. 
  • Eat actual fruit and talk about how it’s different and the same as the fruit of the Spirit. I love talking about how sweet it really is that the Holy Spirit can work in our lives to make us more like Jesus – just like that sweet taste of the fruits we eat.
  • Fruit of the Spirit YouTube series from Saddleback Kids. We watched one video a day that aligned with the fruit that we discussed at breakfast. They have different series for Early Childhood and Elementary. 
  • We love singing and dancing together so we found songs to help memorize them. Here are a few favorites: Fruit of the Spirit’s Not a Coconut, Fruit of the Spirit, Fruit of the Spirit (I want to know, I want to grow), and Fruit of the Spirit by Go Fish.

David and I pray the qualities of these verses over our children daily. Please also pray for your children as you’re teaching them! 


I’m praying you are blessed as you plant the fruit of the Spirit in your little one’s heart! And in your heart too!


Sending my love,

Gayle

Truth for Today

 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” 

Galatians 5:22-23