Bible Stories for Kids - The Fruit of the Spirit

Long ago, the Apostle Paul wanted to teach people how to live like Jesus. Paul wrote a letter to his friends in a place called Galatia. In his letter, Paul talked about something special: the Fruit of the Spirit.

Paul explained that when we follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit helps us become more like Him. The Spirit helps us grow good things in our hearts, just like a tree grows fruit. But these are not apples and oranges—they are things like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Paul said, "When you let the Holy Spirit guide you, you will show love by being caring to others. You will have joy, even when things are hard. You will be peaceful and calm, patient when waiting for your turn, kind and helpful to your friends, good in your choices, faithful by keeping promises, gentle with your words, and self-controlled by making wise decisions."

Paul wanted his friends—and us—to remember that when we stay close to Jesus, the Holy Spirit helps us grow all these wonderful fruits in our hearts.

## Activity

Fruit of the Spirit Paper Plate Craft

Materials:
- 1 paper plate
- Colored construction paper (red, orange, yellow, green, purple, pink, blue, etc.)
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Markers or crayons
- Pencil

Instructions:
1. Draw or trace different kinds of fruit shapes on the colored construction paper (like apples, bananas, grapes, oranges, strawberries, or any fruit you like).
2. Cut out the fruit shapes.
3. On each fruit shape, write one of the Fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control. Ask an adult for help if you need it.
4. Decorate each fruit with crayons or markers.
5. Glue the fruit shapes around the edge of the paper plate to make a colorful Fruit of the Spirit wreath.
6. In the center of the plate, use a marker to write: "The Fruit of the Spirit" (ask for help if you need).
7. Hang your wreath somewhere special to remind you to grow the Fruit of the Spirit in your heart!

## Reflection Questions

1. Which Fruit of the Spirit do you want to grow more in your life? Why?
2. Can you think of a time when you showed kindness or patience like the Fruit of the Spirit?
3. How can you let the Holy Spirit help you show these good fruits to others every day?