Fruit of the Spirit Christmas Planনমুনা

Day 1: Love

“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

God’s Plan: Love is foundational to the Christian life, representing God’s nature (1 John 4:8). God intends that His love in us must be expressed toward others, demonstrating His unconditional love and compassion. This sacrificial love reveals God to others and fulfills His command to love Him and others (Matthew 22:37-39).

Description: Love is an unconditional and selfless affection for others. Love is when we care about others, just like God cares about us.

Activity idea: Compliment Circle

Sit in a circle and take turns complimenting the person next to you. Use a "Compliment Ball" (any soft, small object family members, children or friends can pass around).

This activity helps us to practice kindness, build self-esteem, and learn the value of appreciation. By giving and receiving compliments we can learn and develop empathy and social skills in a positive, supportive environment and show other people God’s love.

Sit in a circle on the floor or chairs. Explain to everyone what this activity is all about; making each other feel happy and appreciated. Explain that giving a compliment means saying something kind or encouraging about someone else. You might give examples like, “I like your smile,” or, “You’re a good listener.”

Remind them to listen carefully to each other, be honest and kind, and focus on kind and encouraging words. Choose someone to start. If using a “Compliment Ball,” give it to the starting child. They should then turn to the person on their right (or left, whichever direction you choose) and give them a compliment. For example, “I like how helpful you are,” or, “You make everyone laugh, and it makes us happy.”

After someone receives a compliment, encourage them to say, “thank you,” to acknowledge the person giving the compliment.

The person who just received the compliment will then turn to their right and compliment the next person in the circle. This continues until everyone has had a chance to give and receive a compliment. When everyone has finished, take a moment to reflect:

Ask, “How did it feel to give a compliment?” and “How did it feel to receive one?”

Discuss the importance of appreciating one another and how showing God’s love can make people feel cherished and connected.

Example of Fruit in everyday life: Volunteering at a local shelter to help those in need or showing kindness and empathy without expecting anything in return.

Arts and crafts: Heart Garland

Cut out heart shapes from colored paper and have each family/group member write something they love about another family/group member on a heart. String them together to create a garland to hang in your home.

Eating together: Heart-shaped Pizza

Make homemade pizzas in the shape of hearts, allowing everyone to choose their toppings, thereby symbolizing love in the meal.

Prayer: I pray for an abundance of love in my life. May my heart be open to Your love, and may I love through all my actions and words as You love us.