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

How often do you use the word “good” in a day? “I’m doing good,” we say, when someone asks how we are. “That was good,” we say, after we eat a delicious dinner. We use the word “good” so much that we can start to forget what it really means!

But what does Paul mean in today’s Bible passage when he says that goodness is a fruit of the spirit? This kind of goodness is not about always “being good” and never making mistakes. Instead, the kind of “goodness” Paul is talking about is an invitation to join God in doing good in the world. It’s an invitation to spread what is good and true to the people and places we meet every day! 

When Gabriela was just a little girl, she witnessed a lot of pain in her home. Her father did not take good care of her and her five siblings, or their mother. They grew up in deep hurt and poverty. Growing up in this kind of home, Gabriela felt like she would never escape.

After starting to attend the Compassion centre in her area, Gabriela’s life began to change. She received love, care and other necessities that she didn’t get at home. This year, Gabriela will graduate from her Compassion program, but she plans to give back the love and goodness she received in her time there. 

Today she spends her free time teaching younger students about God’s love for them. She plans to also sponsor a child once she has a career.

Giving back out of the love you have received is God’s kind of goodness. How will you do good today?

Live it out: 

Think about some ways you can spread goodness to your friends, family and other people around you today. Maybe it could be helping a friend with their homework, writing a kind note to a sibling or other family member, or offering to help make dinner. Write down some ways you would like to spread goodness and put them on your calendar to make sure you bless someone this week.

Prayer: 

Dear Jesus, you have been so good to me in my life. Show me the ways that I can spread that goodness to other people in my life. Remind me that the goodness you call me to is not about being perfect, but about spreading goodness to the places you call me to. Amen.