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

What do you think it means to be at peace? To let the peace of Christ “rule in our hearts”? To be a peacemaker?

Sometimes, it’s easy to not feel peace at all. That was true for eight-year-old Neriana from Colombia at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. She felt worried and scared about the virus and about what all the changes in the world meant for her life. 

Thankfully, she had a good friend in her life to remind her about the peace that Jesus offers us. That friend was her leader at her Compassion centre, Ester. 

“When Neriana is sad, I encourage her through a Bible story and we pray together,” says Ester. “She enjoys talking to me about all the things that happen at home and I invite her to have fun by drawing and painting.”

“I really like it when Ester calls me because I have fun talking to her,” says Neriana. “I love when she sings me the song that says, ‘In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.’ I am no longer afraid because Ester taught me that God cares for me and my family.”

Do you have people in your life to remind you that God cares for you when you are worried or afraid? Maybe it’s a parent, friend, sibling, teacher or leader from your church.

The most exciting thing about this fruit of the Spirit is that we don’t just get to experience it, but we can share it, too. As others remind us about the peace of Christ when we need it, we can also become the friend who reminds others about peace! 

As Jesus followers, wherever we see something that causes fear or worry, we can be a part of bringing peace. You see, peace isn’t just something we feel—it is something we are. We can be peacemakers, like Jesus talks about in Matthew 5:9.

Live it out: 

If you’re feeling worried or afraid, talk about it with a grown-up who you trust. Ask them to help you remember that God always takes care of us. 

Pray and ask God to help you let the peace of Christ rule in your heart. Think about ways you can share the peace of Christ with others, maybe by writing a note to someone who is worried or praying that others would experience peace.

Prayer: 

Dear God, thank you for being with me when I am worried or afraid and reminding me of your peace. Help me to be a peacemaker in the world and share the peace of Christ with others who might be worried or afraid. Amen.