8 Games For Children that teach the fruits of the spirit
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The Fruits of the Spirit are qualities that the Apostle Paul describes in Galatians 5:22-23 as evidence of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit. These virtues reflect God’s character and are a guide for Christians striving to live according to the Spirit rather than the flesh.
The fruits of the spirit include:
- Love – An unconditional, sacrificial love that seeks the best for others, reflecting God’s love for humanity.
- Joy – A deep sense of gladness and contentment that comes from knowing and trusting God, independent of circumstances.
- Peace – An inner tranquility and harmony with God, others, and oneself.
- Patience – The ability to endure difficult circumstances, delays, or provocations with a calm and forgiving attitude.
- Kindness – Showing compassion, gentleness, and care in dealing with others.
- Goodness – Moral excellence and virtue, seeking to do what is right in God’s eyes.
- Faithfulness – Being loyal, reliable, and trustworthy in one’s relationship with God and others.
- Gentleness – Strength under control, characterized by humility and tenderness in dealing with others.
- Self-control – The ability to control one’s desires, emotions, and actions, submitting them to God’s will.
How to Cultivate the Fruits of the Spirit
- Prayer and Scripture Study: Spend time in God’s Word and pray for guidance and growth in these virtues.
- Yielding to the Holy Spirit: Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your decisions and actions.
- Community and Accountability: Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage growth and model these fruits.
- Practice: Actively practice love, patience, and kindness, even when it’s challenging.
Each fruit complements the others, creating a well-rounded and Christlike character. These fruits not only bless the individual but also serve as a testimony of God’s work in their life.
Teaching the fruits of the spirit to children
Teaching children about the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) is a wonderful way to help them understand and apply Christian principles in their daily lives. Crafts are an engaging and hands-on method to reinforce these lessons, making abstract concepts tangible for young minds.
This article provides a variety of creative and fun craft ideas for kids to learn about the nine Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
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1. Fruit Basket Craft
Purpose: Introduce all nine Fruits of the Spirit in one activity.
Materials Needed:
- Paper or foam fruit shapes (e.g., apples, bananas, grapes)
- A printable basket template or brown construction paper
- Markers or crayons
- Glue or tape
Instructions:
- Provide each child with a basket template.
- Have the children color or decorate the basket.
- Distribute fruit shapes and ask the kids to write one Fruit of the Spirit on each piece.
- Glue or tape the fruits into the basket.
- Discuss how a “spiritual fruit basket” represents qualities God wants us to grow in our lives.
Why It’s Meaningful: This craft helps children visualize the Fruits of the Spirit as a collection of traits they can nurture.
2. Love Heart Wreath
Purpose: Focus on the fruit of love.
Materials Needed:
- Construction paper (red, pink, white)
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- Ribbon or string
Instructions:
- Cut out several heart shapes from construction paper.
- Write examples of loving actions (e.g., “helping a friend,” “sharing”) on each heart.
- Arrange the hearts in a circular pattern to form a wreath.
- Glue or tape the hearts together and add a ribbon for hanging.
Why It’s Meaningful: Kids learn that love is not just a feeling but an action they can demonstrate every day.
3. Joyful Sun Catchers
Purpose: Highlight the fruit of joy.
Materials Needed:
- Clear contact paper
- Tissue paper in bright colors
- Scissors
- Paper plate
- String for hanging the paper plate
Instructions:
- Trace the paper plate contact paper.
- Cut out the large circle on the contact paper you traced of the paper plate.
- Trace a large circle inside the paper plate.
- Cut out the large circle inside the paper plate.
- Place a piece of contact paper sticky side up on the paper plate.
- Cut or tear shapes with your tissue paper.
- Let kids stick colorful tissue paper pieces onto the contact paper.
- Cover with another piece of contact paper and trim the edges, removing the rest of the paper plate so that the sun catcher is clear.
- Hang the sun catchers in a window to reflect light.
Why It’s Meaningful: The bright colors and sunlight symbolize the joy we feel when living in God’s presence.
4. Peace Doves
Purpose: Teach about the fruit of peace.
Materials Needed:
- White paper or cardstock
- Scissors
- Markers or crayons
- Glue
Instructions:
- Trace and cut out dove shapes from white paper.
- Write “peace” or a peaceful scripture (e.g., John 14:27) on the dove.
- Decorate the dove with markers or glitter.
- Create a string loop to hang the dove.
Why It’s Meaningful: The dove is a universal symbol of peace and reminds children of God’s calming presence.
5. Patience Growing Plant
Purpose: Emphasize the importance of patience.
Materials Needed:
- Small pots
- Soil and seeds (e.g., beans or flowers)
- Markers or paint for decorating pots
Instructions:
- Let kids decorate their pots with words or designs that represent patience.
- Plant seeds in the pot and water them together.
- Discuss how waiting for the seeds to grow teaches patience.
- Encourage kids to care for their plants daily.
Why It’s Meaningful: Watching a plant grow over time is a powerful visual for understanding patience.
6. Kindness Rocks
Purpose: Teach kids to spread kindness.
Materials Needed:
- Smooth rocks
- Paint or markers
- Clear sealant spray (optional)
Instructions:
- Let kids paint or draw cheerful designs and write kind words (e.g., “Be kind,” “You are loved”) on the rocks.
- Once dry, seal the rocks with spray if desired.
- Encourage kids to place the rocks around their neighborhood or school to brighten someone’s day.
Why It’s Meaningful: This craft reinforces the idea of sharing kindness with others.
7. Goodness Garland
Purpose: Represent the fruit of goodness.
Materials Needed:
- String or yarn
- Construction paper in various colors
- Markers or crayons
- Hole punch
Instructions:
- Cut out paper shapes like stars, circles, or leaves.
- Write or draw examples of goodness (e.g., “helping at home,” “telling the truth”) on each shape.
- Punch holes in the shapes and string them together to create a garland.
- Hang the garland in a visible spot.
Why It’s Meaningful: This craft shows how acts of goodness can connect and brighten a community.
8. Faithfulness Banner
Purpose: Celebrate faithfulness.
Materials Needed:
- Fabric or construction paper
- Markers or fabric paint
- Ribbon or dowels for hanging
Instructions:
- Create a banner with the word “Faithfulness” written prominently. You could also create a bunting banner as a second option.
- Have kids draw symbols of faith, such as a Bible, cross, or praying hands.
- Decorate the banner with colors and patterns.
- Display the banner as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and our call to be faithful.
Why It’s Meaningful: This visual reminder encourages kids to remain steadfast in their beliefs and actions.
Conclusion
Using crafts to teach the Fruits of the Spirit is a meaningful way to help kids internalize these biblical principles. These hands-on activities not only make learning fun but also create lasting memories and valuable life lessons. Whether you’re teaching in a Sunday school class or at home, these crafts are perfect for encouraging children to grow in faith and character. Which craft will you try first?
Which one will you try first? Have more ideas that we are missing? Drop them in the comments below.
Wishing you all the best,
Vanessa Rooney – LDS Mum
