For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Paul keeps writing his letter to God's family.
In this part he tells us about the good things God's Spirit grows in our hearts — like fruit on a tree.
Today's Story
Paul had wonderful news. “Jesus has set you free!” he wrote. “So use your freedom to love each other.”
Then Paul shared a beautiful picture. He said that when God's Spirit lives in our hearts, He grows good things inside us — just like an apple tree grows apples. You don't have to yell at an apple tree to make it grow apples. It just does, because it's alive!
Paul made a list of the good fruit the Spirit grows. He wrote: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Love that cares for others. Joy that bubbles up inside. Peace that feels calm. Patience that waits without grumbling. Kindness and goodness toward everyone. Faithfulness that keeps its promises. Gentleness that is soft, not rough. And self-control, so we don't do every grumpy thing we feel like doing.
Paul said we can't squeeze this fruit out by ourselves. But when we walk close to God's Spirit each day, He grows it in us. Isn't that good news?
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- When did someone show you kindness today, or when did you show kindness to someone?
- Which fruit do you think is the hardest for you — maybe patience, or being gentle? Which one is easiest?
- An apple tree grows apples because it's alive. How do you think we can stay close to God so He can grow good fruit in us?