Living Out the Fruit of the Spirit: For Kids + FamiliesSample

What do you think it means to be joyful? In today’s Bible reading, Paul talks about joy as being a fruit of the Spirit, or a way that God calls us to live. Many people think that joy means the same thing as happiness. But it’s important for us to remember that the kind of joy God calls us to is different from being happy all the time. In fact, did you know you can still be joyful when you’re having a bad day? You can choose it!

The kind of joy that God wants us to hold onto is the peace of knowing He is in control of all the details of our life. Choosing to be joyful means we can praise Him and know He is good, even when life is hard. Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” We can choose to have a deep-down kind of joy because we have the hope of Jesus!

Wachira and his little sister Watcharee live in a small village in Thailand. It’s a village that has a lot of poverty and struggle. But the adults of the community have made it their mission to help the kids of the village to find joy, even in their hard circumstances. Because of this, Wachira and Watcharee find joy in the little things.

“I help my parents to take care of the calves of our herds in the evening, and my close friends come along. Then sometimes we share rides on the water buffalo to have fun. My parents always tell me about hope and faith in God, and to have joy with what surrounds us. I always have fun in nature,” says Watcharee. 

There is always joy to be found even when life is hard. God has given us all sorts of gifts around us to remind us of His love. We just need to find them!

Live it out:

How can you find joy today, even if you are feeling sad? What are the blessings around you that remind you of God’s care and love for you? Take some time to make a list of the things that bring you joy today. Share them out loud with your family!

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you that even when I am having a bad day, there is always joy to be found in you. Help me to hold onto the joy that I have because I am your child. Help me to live with joy in my heart and to share it with others. Amen.