Year-Long Study: Fruits of the Spirit
by Gayle Inge
We studied one of the nine fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) during
each month of our nine-month school year last year.
We chose a different fruit (e.g., apple, banana) to represent each
character quality. I drew a picture of the fruit on a piece of colored
construction paper and glued on verses that I wanted us to memorize and
emulate. Then I put the page in a plastic sheet protector.
We purchased plastic fruit at the local dollar store and a "Fruit of the
Spirit" tape from Majesty Music (Patch the Pirate). I also found a
"Fruit of the Spirit" song in Growing Songs for Children Book 1 (Child
Evangelism).
We recited Galatians 5:22-23 every morning and worked on memorizing the
verses for the fruit of the month. To aid in memorization and for added
fun, we used songs or motions with the verses whenever possible.
Throughout the day, if the monthly character quality was demonstrated or
lacking, we discussed applying it to our lives.
At the end of the school year, we had a "Fruit of the Spirit" party and
had all nine fruits for a meal with Dad. We recited all the verses in
front of the video camera.
Love: Apple (John 3:16; I John 4:19; I John 4:7-8).
Joy: Strawberries (Phil. 4:4; Psalm 30:5b; Luke 15:7b).
Peace: Lemon (we can have peace even when life is sour) (Psalm 4:8;
Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:7).
Longsuffering: Banana (I Thess. 5:14b).
Gentleness: Orange (II Timothy 2:24; Titus 3:2).
Goodness: Grapes (Heb. 13:16; Eph. 2:10).
Faith: Peach (Heb. 11:1; Deut. 7:9; Luke 16:10a).
Meekness: Watermelon (Gal. 6:1; I Peter 3:15; I Peter 3:4).
Temperance: Pear (James 1:19; Prov. 23:1).
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