Join investigative reporter, Lulu, and Bukie, her lion cub companion, as they go in search of the TRUTH! There have been reports that there is a new kind of fruit that will change your life. Let s dig in and see what they find!
Fruit of the Spirit Introduction But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 What is the Fruit of the Spirit? It is the character that we, as Christians, are to aim for. The Holy Spirit lives inside the heart of every Christian and He gives us the Fruit of the Spirit to help us become more like God. (Character: The description of how a person acts; the inward description of a person) An example of how someone might describe you is, Emma is beautiful with light brown hair and blue eyes. She likes to draw like her Aunt Tiffany and even looks like her. Emma is smart and helpful. She likes to help Meme put on her makeup and cook. Emma loves her family very much. The Fruit of the Spirit is a way to describe God. Because you don t know what God looks like, you can describe God s character to create a picture of Him. You can say, God is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This is the character of God. Our appearance describes how we look while our character describes how we act. It is more important that we act nice than look nice because God doesn t look at our appearance, He looks at our heart and our actions. Learning about the Fruit of the Spirit (the character of God) will help you grow up to look like God, not on the outside, but on the inside where it really matters. Our appearance describes what? Our character describes what? Which is most important? Why is it more important? All Bible verses throughout this study are from the New International Version (NIV)
Fruit of the Spirit LOVE Definition of Love: 1. Strong feeling of deep affection 2. God is love Memory Verse: Whoever does not love, does not know God because God is love. I John 4:8 In order to be the kind of Christian we should be, we much love people. Not only those who are close to us, like our friends and family, but others also. It is not easy to love some people, but God tells us to because He loves us. This week I will show that I love them by (Person s Name). (Action or Deed) Other ways I can show love this week are: Put an L beside the examples of love below and an X beside the things that do not show love. I change the TV station that my brother or sister is watching. I read my Bible, so I can learn about God. I give my friend the last piece of candy. I read my brother or sister a bedtime story without being asked. I tell on my brother or sister just to get them in trouble. I help mom by picking up my toys and shoes. I cry and scream and don t want to go to church. I do what mom and dad ask me to and don t throw a fit. I don t let my friends play with my toys when they come to visit. I say the blessing before I eat to thank God for my food.
LOVE Bible Verses - Fill in the blanks For God so loved the that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have life. John 3:16 Love is, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (Perseveres: Continues in a course of action even in the face of difficulty) Love the Lord your God with all your and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your. The second is this; Love your neighbor as. There is no commandment greater than these. Mark 12: 30-31 A new command I give to you: Love one another as I have loved, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you one another. John 13:34-35 heart eternal you patient strength love yourself wrongs world always
Fruit of the Spirit Love Can you find all the hidden words in this word search? Words can go in the following directions: J K L G R A N D P A G Q M H H E R L P D U P E R S E V E R E S X F N F R W I T H D B M S A U H H L A P H O P E S W E H R S Y T U M S F T F M H T U R T P S O K I N D H S L K D I A S M O C A L E H E L B I B G H L V U A L Y J P R O N N B G I O M L N M E A G S V D D I G J H P I D O O F S C E Z C R O S S H M Y M P R O T E C T G D A D DAD MOM JESUS CANDY HEARTS FAMILY OTHERS BIBLE MEME GRANDPA GOD PROTECT TRUTH HOPES CROSS LOVE FOOD PERSEVERE KIND SOUL
Fruit of the Spirit JOY Definition of Joy: An attitude of mind and heart Memory Verse: Yes, you are our glory and joy. I Thessalonians 2:20 In the verse above, Paul is writing about his friends in the city of Thessalonica. One of the greatest joys as a Christian is our Christian friends. Joy and happiness are NOT the same thing. Happiness is how we feel when good things happens to us. Joy is something that comes only from God. We can have joy even when we are not happy. Things that bring me joy. Remember these are about God. Example: Knowing God loves me no matter what I do. Put a J by the things that give you joy and an H by the things that bring you happiness. I read in my Bible that Jesus is always with me. Mom and Dad said we are going out for ice cream after dinner tonight. I am going to spend the night with Aunt Tiffany this weekend. I see a beautiful rainbow and it reminds me of God s promises to us. I received an invitation to a birthday party for a friend today. I read in my Bible that God gave His only Son, so I could go to heaven. When I pray, I thank God for my mom and dad. I learn in church that Jesus loves me no matter what I do. Mom says we are going to get a manicure today after school.
JOY Bible Verses - Fill in the blanks Clap your hands, all you ; shout to God with cries of joy. Psalm 47:1 May the God of fill you with all joy and peace as you in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy. Romans 15:13 Shout aloud and for joy, people of Zion, for is the Holy One of Israel among you. Isaiah 12:6 Fixing our eyes on, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the of God. Hebrews 12:2 The Lord is my and my shield: my heart trusts in Him, and He me. My heart leaps for joy and with my song I Him. Psalm 28:7 throne great helps Jesus nations sing strength trust praise cross host spirit
Follow GOD and He will lead you to JOY! Start with the word God and work your way to the middle of the maze to find Joy! GOD JOY Yes, you are our glory and joy. I Thessalonians 2:20
Fruit of the Spirit Peace Definition of Peace: 1. Wholeness of body or soul 2. Free from disturbance 3. Quiet and calm Memory Verse: "And the peace of God, that we can't understand, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 God s peace will help you through the hard times in your life. Because you have Jesus in your heart, you can handle things in a calm and quiet way. God s peace is so good it is hard to understand how we can stay calm when things around us are going crazy. Because of what Christ did for you on the cross, as a Christian, you are now complete and whole because no one can take your salvation away from you. You belong to God forever. When things are not going as you would like, you need to pray that God will guard your heart and keep you from doing something that you will be sorry for later. Prayer + Studying the Bible = Peace Put a P beside the examples of peace and an X beside the things that do not show peace. When I start to worry, I stop and pray because I know true peace comes from God. I memorize Bible verses to help me in times of trouble or when I worry about things. I doubt that God loves me when things go wrong. I know God has a plan for my life. I know that no matter what I do, I will always be saved. When I sin, I am afraid I might not be a Christian. I worry and worry about things. I know that God loves me no matter what is going on around.
PEACE Bible Verses - Fill in the blanks Now may the Lord of Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The be with all of you. II Thessalonians 3:16 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be. John 14:27 You will keep in peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they in You. Isaiah 26:3 (Steadfast: Loyal; faithful; dependable) For God is not a God of but of peace as in all the congregations of the Lord s. I Corinthians 14:33 perfect Lord disorder world trust peace afraid people
Fruit of the Spirit PATIENCE Definition of Patience: 1. Being willing to forgive others several times. 2. Waiting on something without getting angry. Memory Verse: Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 (Humble: Putting others before ourselves; modest) The verse above says we are to think of others and not always think of ourselves. This takes patience and it is not always easy, but we must do this, in love, and not because we have to. Patience means not complaining when you have to wait on something that you want NOW. Jesus is the perfect example of patience because He is very patient with us and is always ready to forgive us when we repent. Too many times, when you want something, you don t want to wait, you want it NOW! Patience requires you to wait without getting angry, which can be hard. God will sometimes cause you to wait on something in order to give you something even better at a later date. The next time you want to get angry when you have to wait on something, just remember if you will stop and be patient, it will make the waiting easier. The next time you are tempted to get angry when you have to wait, what are some things you can do to help you be patient? Example: Sing a song.
Circle all answers below that show patience. There may be more than one for each example. Have an adult check your answers! 1. You are ready for dinner and mom says it will be a little longer. A. You say I m hungry and roll your eyes as you stomp out of the kitchen. B. You say that s fine and stay in the kitchen and tell mom about your day while she finishes dinner. C. You say OK and offer to help by setting the table. D. You get mad and storm to your room. 2. You want to watch your favorite show on TV but your brother is watching something else. A. You change the TV anyway. B. You play on your ipad or go to your room and draw until his show is over without getting angry. C. You go to mom and tell her you really want to watch your show now. D. You sit down and watch his show with him and do not complain. 3. You are with dad in the mall and you see something you want, but dad says not today. A. You really want the item today but you don t get upset. Maybe you will get it next time. B. You are sad, but you don t fuss. C. You beg and beg until dad gives in. D. You get mad and don t speak to dad for a while.
PATIENCE Bible Verses - Fill in the blanks Therefore, as God s chosen people, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with compassion,, humility, gentleness, and. Colossians 3:12 The end of the matter is better than its, and patience is better than. Ecclesiastes 7:8 Whoever is patient has great, but one who is quicktempered displays folly. Proverbs 14:29 (Folly: Lack of good sense; foolishness) But those who in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like ; they will run and not grow, they will walk and not be. Isaiah 40:31 Faint kindness eagles patience beginning wait understanding pride weary dearly
Fruit of the Spirit GOODNESS Definition of Goodness: 1. Right in God s eyes 2. Excellent Memory Verse: "Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalms 23:6 (Mercy: God s grace to us that we do not deserve; God s grace to us is Jesus) As a Christian, God s goodness and love will be with you always on this earth and when you are old and go to heaven, you will live with God forever. Good is a word that we often use incorrectly. The real meaning is stronger than how we use it. To be good means to be excellent in what we do and how we act. It means to do the right thing. Jesus is the perfect example of goodness because He is excellent in every way. When He was on the earth He never sinned. He always did the right thing. He showed His goodness by obeying God and dying on the cross so we could go to heaven. He loved us enough to die for us. We are to be like God so He expects us to be good also. You are not perfect but every time you make the right decision and do what is right, you become more like Jesus, who is perfect. One way you can be more like Jesus is to be kind to others. Because God loves you, He wants what is best for you and that is to be like Jesus. Beside each statement below, put a (T) beside the ones that are True and an (F) by those that are False. (Check with an adult to make sure you answered correctly.) To be good means you are Ok. Goodness means to do what is right in God s eyes. Jesus showed His goodness by always doing the right thing and obeying God. God wants what is best for you which is to become like Jesus. Jesus is good most of the time. Every time you do the right thing you become more like Jesus. We deserve God s grace because we try to be good.
GOODNESS Bible Verses - Fill in the blanks They celebrate your goodness and joyfully of your righteousness. Psalms 145:7 (Righteousness: The judgment and mercy of God) Who have tasted the of the Word of and the powers of the coming age. Hebrews 6:5 But You, Sovereign, help me for Your name s sake; out of the goodness of your, deliver me. Psalms 109:21 (Sovereign: In complete control) What shall I to the LORD for all His goodness to? Psalms 116:12 sing God me abundant love return Lord goodness
Fruit of the Spirit Goodness Fill in the answers to each hint across and down. (Check with an adult to make sure you answered correctly.) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Across 2. God is this. 4. Moral excellence. 7. Blessing we do not deserve. 9. The building where you live. 10. Opposite of wrong. 11. To treat others in a good way. Down 1. We need to become more like Him. 3. To behave correctly. 4. He made the universe. 5. Jesus never did this. 6. Eternity. 8. He is always near.
Fruit of the Spirit KINDNESS Definition of Kindness: 1. Concern for others 2. A desire to treat others gently 3. Compassion and generosity Memory Verse: But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of anything we did, but because of His mercy. Titus 3:4-5 (Mercy: To forgive someone; God s grace to us, in Jesus, that we do not deserve) The verse above tells us that God saved us because of His kindness and love. You could never be good enough to deserve to go to heaven but you don t have to be. God loved you enough to let Jesus die on the cross so you could be saved and spend forever with Him. That s what mercy means. His love for you will never change! Often times, we are selfish which means we put our wants before others. We want what is best for ourselves, instead of thinking about what is best for someone else. Kindness is the opposite of this. To be kind means you treat others with respect and try really hard to not cause them pain by being mean or unkind. Jesus is the best example of kindness because He died so you could go to heaven. When He did this, He put your need first. He didn t want to die on a cross, but He did because He loves you. You can show kindness by being careful not to hurt someone s feelings or by sharing something you have with them. Put a K beside the examples of kindness below and an X beside the things that do not show kindness. (Have an adult check your answers.) Mom stops after school and gets you and your brother a snack. Your brother or sister accidently drops his on the ground. You share yours with him. Your mom has a headache. She asks you to please be quiet, but instead, you turn your music up louder. Your friend at school is upset because someone has called her names. You make her feel better by telling her they are wrong. It is bedtime and mom says you have to pick up your things and take them to your room. Your brother or sister is very sleepy, so you help him take his toys to his room. Mom says you may have a candy bar but there is only one left. Your brother or sister asks for a piece of it, but you say no and eat the whole thing. Your friend s mom is sick. You send your friend a text message telling her you are praying for her mom.
KINDNESS Bible Verses - Fill in the blanks Therefore, as God s people, holy and dearly, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness,, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 (Humility: To not think you are better than someone else) In order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His, expressed in His kindness to us in Jesus. Ephesians 2:7 Be and compassionate to one another, each other, just as in Christ God you. Ephesians 4:32 I have loved you with an love; I have drawn you with kindness. Jeremiah 31:3 Christ humility forgiving chosen forgave glory everlasting loved unfailing kind
KINDNESS Unscramble the Words Using the Words at the Bottom of the Page S K N I S D E N E C I N A S I V R O F Y E D I N R L E O L V Y M R C E D G O D V S E A N E E G R S U O I K N D Saved Mercy Friendly God Kindness Nice Love Kind Generous Savior
love Fruit of the Spirit GENTLENESS Definition of Gentleness: 1. Kindness of behavior based on strength and 2. Meekness, Mildness 3. Complete surrender to God s will in your life Memory Verse: Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Philippians 4:5 If you have asked Jesus into your heart, no matter where you go, He is always with you. God wants you to show gentleness to others because you are a reflection of Him. By showing gentleness to others, you may be able to tell them about Jesus. Another definition of gentleness is to be completely surrendered to God s will in your life. Being gentle does not mean you are weak. It takes more strength to be gentle than it does to be mean to others. We all have someone in charge of us, even adults. Just as you have to obey your parents, your parents have to obey people like their boss, policemen and most of all, God. Sometimes we don t want to obey, but God expects us to if we love Him. The best way to know how to obey God is to read the Bible. God tells us in the Bible how we are to act and treat others. It is very important for us to be gentle to others not only because God tells us to, but because there is someone who doesn t know Christ that is watching us and we may be the only Jesus they see. Put a G beside the examples of Gentleness below and an X beside the things that do not show gentleness. You tell a friend at school a secret and that friend doesn t keep your secret. You are very upset and it is difficult but you treat her with kindness. A boy at school has an accident in the lunchroom and spills his tray in the floor. The other kids point and laugh and you go along with them and laugh too because you don t want to be the only one not laughing. You forgot to study for a test and some girls at school try to talk you into cheating on the test. You do not give in because you know it would be a sin and God would not be pleased. You are at the mall and you see a man drop a $10 bill on the ground. You know not to speak to strangers, so you pick it up and tell your dad and ask him to return the money to the man because it is the right thing to do. Mom asks you if you have cleaned your room and you tell her yes, even when you have not, because you are in the middle of watching your favorite show on TV.
GENTLENESS Bible Verses - Fill in the blanks But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue, godliness, faith,, endurance and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11 Therefore, as God s chosen people, and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with, kindness, humility, gentleness and. Colossians 3:12 Be completely humble and ; be patient, bearing with one another in. Ephesians 4:2 A gentle answer turns away, but a word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 gentle righteousness patience love harsh compassion love wrath holy
GENTLENESS SNAKE PUZZLE Start at the Q and follow the snake to find and circle the words listed at the bottom of the page. Don t forget to have FUN! Mild Gentleness Attitude Tender Gentle Kind Show Philippians Behavior Lord Near
Fruit of the Spirit - FAITHFULNESS Definition of Faithfulness: 1. True to your word or promise 2. Loyal, constant Memory Verse: "The Lord is righteous in all His ways and faithful in all He does." Psalms 145:17 God s righteousness means perfect justice and mercy. Because God is a God of love, He disciplines us. Just as your parents discipline you, God also disciplines His children, but He is faithful and just in all He does. God s faithfulness is perfect. Others will fail you but God will never fail you. You cannot measure God s faithfulness because it reaches to the skies. Every morning God s love and faithfulness are new and He is always with you because He said He would be. When you wake up, He is there - when you go to bed, He is there. When you are sad, He is there when you are happy, He is there. When you are alone, He is there when you are with others, He is there. God is always there because He said He would be and He is faithful. We are also called to be faithful, first to God and then to our family and friends. When we say we will do something, God expects us to do it. To be a loyal friend means to be a friend in the good times and bad. No matter what happens, you are always there for them. To be loyal to God means that you are not ashamed to stand up for Him when others do not. Sometimes it is hard to be the only one who stands up for God but because of what He did for you on the cross, you need to be faithful to Him. Circle the examples of faithfulness for each statement below. There may be more than one correct answer for each statement. Have an adult check your answers. 1. You are in the lunch room at school and some of the kids are saying that God does not exist. a. You speak up and let them know that He does exist and that He loves them very much. b. You don t say anything because you don t want to stand out in the crowd. c. You tell on them for talking at the table. d. You tell them that Jesus died for them on the cross so that they could go to heaven.
2. You tell your friend that you will call in the evening and help them with their homework. a. When you get home, you forget to call. b. You call your friend in the evening and help them with their homework. c. Your grandmother comes to your house and wants to take you out to dinner. You go to dinner instead of helping your friend. d. When you look over the homework, you realize that you don t know how to do it either so you don t call your friend. 3. You have promised your parents that you will not download anything on your phone without their permission. a. You are at a sleep over and one of the girls wants you to download an app so you can play a game. You think that your parents will be OK with it so you download it. b. You tell the girls that you made a promise to your parents and it would be wrong to break that promise. c. You call your parents to see if it is OK to download the app. d. Your best friend tells you that your parents will never know so you download the app.
FAITHFULNESS Bible Verses - Fill in the blanks They (God s mercies) are new every ; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:23 Proclaiming Your in the morning and Your faithfulness at. Psalms 92:2 Your love, LORD, reaches to the, Your faithfulness to the. Psalms 36:5 Let love and never leave you; bind them around your, write them on the tablet of your. Proverbs 3:3 Your faithfulness through all generations; You established the, and it endures. Psalms 119:90 earth faithfulness love heavens neck morning night skies continues heart
"The Lord is righteous in all His ways and faithful in all He does." Psalms 145:17 Loyal and constant Follow the Bible verse and learn what it means to be faithful!
Fruit of the Spirit SELF-CONTROL Definition of Self-Control: 1. Remain calm when things don t go your way 2. Not mis-behaving when you get angry Memory Verse: "Like a home without walls so is a person who does not have self-control." Proverbs 25:28 (Paraphrased) A home without walls is open to the weather and other harmful things. Can you imagine if your home did not have any walls? It would be cold in the winter and hot in the summer and you would get wet when it rained. Anyone could come by when you were away and get whatever they wanted because there would be no doors to lock. If you do not have self-control, you are like that home. You are open to sin and that is very harmful to you. Self-control helps keep you safe and protected. If you do not have selfcontrol, you will not respect and obey your parents. When that happens you will most likely be punished. Self-control helps prevent this from happening. In order to have self-control you have to depend on God. We are not able, by ourselves, to have self-control. It comes only from God. It comes by reading your Bible and praying every day. The more you pray and read the Bible, the more you will be like God. You and I are selfish and want our own way but we cannot always get what we want. If you have selfcontrol, you will not get upset and act out when you don t get your way. Jesus did not always get His way but He always did what God wanted Him to do and He did not get angry about it. You also need self-control to be faithful in doing your Bible study and praying because some days you will want to do something else instead. Put SC beside the examples of Self-Control below and an X beside the things that do not show Self-Control. Have an adult check your answers! I decide to watch TV instead of doing my Bible Study because I want to. My friend is having a sleep over and mom & dad say I can t go. I am angry but I don t get upset and mis-behave. I trust my parents have a good reason. Dad tells me to finish my homework. My friend texts me with important news but I tell her I can t text right now and I will let her know when I am finished with my homework. During break at school, some of the kids begin making fun of one of the kids. I don t want them to make fun of me, so I join in. I really want to go the mall but mom is not feeling well. I get upset and fuss until she gives in and takes me to the mall.
SELF-CONTROL Bible Verses - Fill in the blanks Better a person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a. Proverbs 16:32 For the God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 And to, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, ; 2 Peter 1:6 (Perseverance: To last till the end. To Finish) The one who has knowledge uses with restraint, and whoever has is even-tempered. Proverbs 17:27 godliness patient power words knowledge Spirit city understanding
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