Sunday School Lesson: Fruit of the Spirit

Fruit of the Spirit: Sunday School Lesson Introduction

The Main Takeaway: When we accept Christ as our savior, the Holy Spirit comes into our lives and gives us a supernatural ability to embody certain character traits. These include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The Lesson Objective: Children will be introduced to the fruits of the Spirit and understand ways to show these traits when it is difficult.

Key Passage: Galatians 5:22-26, Fruit of the Spirit

What Is the Spirit?

In the days leading up to the crucifixion, Jesus told his disciples it was better for him that he was going away. During his time on earth, Jesus was fully human. He could only be in one place at one time. John 16:7 (NIV) says, “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.“

After Jesus was crucified and raised to life again, the Holy Spirit came to live with Christ’s believers. Unlike the human person of Jesus when he was on earth, the Holy Spirit is with all believers at the same time.  Christians need to believe Christ is their savior to have the Holy Spirit embody them. When they believe in Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes into their lives. The Holy Spirit is fully God and part of the Trinity: God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit comes into our lives, he gives us the supernatural ability to embody certain characteristics. These characteristics are called the fruit of the Spirit.

What Are the Fruits of the Spirit?

 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 (ESV)

To begin talking about the fruit of the Spirit, we must first understand what the Bible means by “fruit.” This verse is an analogy. It’s comparing our qualities and the way we act to fruit. When we spend time with God and read his word, we grow spiritually. Like a healthy plant grows fruit, we will grow desired qualities both on the inside and outside.

However, an apple tree doesn’t produce an apple overnight. The growth takes time. When we continue to spend time with God and in his Word, these qualities develop inside of us. When we have grown enough to bear this fruit or make it visible to others, these qualities help us and those we encounter live a godly life. They also point others to Jesus. When others see that we are peaceful during challenges, for example, we can share that our peace comes from our belief in God.

The qualities listed in the fruit of the Spirit passage aren’t easy to live out, especially when we are experiencing difficulties in our lives. Our natural human nature leans toward selfishness, greed, and pride. But the Holy Spirit can help transform us to exhibit more desired qualities: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

• Love—Love is God’s greatest commandment. He calls us to love him and love others as ourselves.
• Joy—Believers can have joy in Christ during difficult times. Our joy is not dependent on our circumstances but on the knowledge that God is with us and always in control.
• Peace—When we trust in God, we can receive his peace even in difficult circumstances. We can also be at peace with others.
• Patience—We can withstand these difficult times when we are grounded in Christ. He gives us the ability to endure and preserve through challenges.
• Kindness—We can be good-tempered toward others, encouraging and uplifting them. Our actions and words can help support others and direct them toward Jesus.
• Goodness—When we live with goodness, we live with integrity. Our heart wants to act in accordance with the attributes of Christ, not for the approval of others, but because we love God and want to follow his ways.
• Faithfulness—Like God shows faithfulness to us, we can show faithfulness to others. While we’re not perfect, we can live striving to be someone others can trust and depend on.
• Gentleness–Gentleness shows up in our daily disposition. We can be humble, compassionate, and slow to anger. Our actions and attitudes can help show Christ to a hostile world.
• Self-Control—We can withstand temptations with the work of the Holy Spirit. Our flesh will desire one thing, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can reject enticements and stand strong in our convictions and God’s ways.

The Purpose of the Fruit of the Spirit

Naturally, our human nature will bend toward sinful desires, but God knows what is best for us. His fruit helps us live a life in accordance with his Word, even when it is difficult. Christ followers are called to be set apart. In a world that can be frightening, overwhelming, and heartbreaking, Christ followers can embody the fruit of the Spirit. This shows God’s love toward others and helps guide them toward Christ.

Activity Ideas and Scripture for Fruit of the Spirit Lesson

Have children color a paper plate to look like a piece of fruit. For example, they could color the edge green, the middle red, and draw black seeds to make the plate look like a watermelon. They choose a quality they want to work on and write it on the front of the plate. On the back of the plate, children can write or draw ways they can show that quality during the week. For example, if a child writes patience, he or she could draw himself or herself waiting in line at school or sitting quietly while a parent is on the phone.

Instructions:

• Pass out a paper plate to each student.
• Give each student crayons or markers.
• Have each student color the plate to look like a piece of fruit and write the fruit of the Spirit on the front.
• Have students turn the plate over and write or draw 2-3 ways they can show the fruit of the Spirit this week.

If students struggle to think of ways to show their quality, help them generate ideas by asking:

• How could you show love to your family?
• How can you show kindness to your friends?
• How can you show faithfulness at soccer practice?
  
  

For older children (even middle school and high school students):

Older students can choose a fruit of the Spirit to work on for the week. Discuss ways they can receive help to show that quality. These could include:

• Recite a Bible verse.
• Say a prayer in the moment.
• Talk to a Christian friend or family member.
  
  

Give each student a notecard. Have them write their goal for the week and how they will accomplish it. For example, “I will show patience this week by saying a prayer when I start to feel frustrated.” If they have extra time, students can look up a Bible verse related to the fruit and write it on the back of the notecard.

Then, they can make a list throughout the week of times they notice relying on the fruit. The following Sunday, they can share a celebration from the week.

Main Point for Sunday School Fruit of the Spirit Lesson

Followers of Christ receive the Holy Spirit into their lives. The Holy Spirit helps them respond in a certain way to difficulties, even when our natural inclination is to act the opposite way. The Fruit of the Spirit gives believers love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Christians continue developing fruit by spending time in God’s Word and growing in their walks with Christ. The fruit of the Spirit not only helps believers lead healthier lives but also shows Christ to others around them. Demonstrating these qualities can help others notice there is something different about the way Christians act and make them curious about the Gospel.

Prayers for Sunday School Fruit of the Spirit Lesson

A prayer for younger children:

Jesus, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to be with me. Help me grow fruit and be a good example to others. Help me be loving, joyful, peaceful, forgiving, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and have self-control when it’s not easy. Amen.

A prayer for older children:

Jesus, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to come into the lives of your believers. Give me the supernatural ability to show love, joy, peace, forgiveness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in difficult situations. Help me remember to look to you and pray for the strength to show these qualities when it’s challenging. I pray that by showing the fruit of the Spirit, I can help lead others toward you. Amen.

Photo credit: Unsplash/Tyler Shaw

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