The Fruit of the Spirit

The Fruit of the Spirit for Kids

As parents and educators, we often seek ways to instill lasting values and strong faith in our children. One of the most profound ways to do this is by teaching and nurturing young hearts from God’s Word. We love the Fruit of the Spirit for kids. 

These characteristics of the fruit outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, offer a beautiful garden blueprint for Christian living. They are not abstract concepts but actionable works that children can develop and share with others, reflecting God’s love in the world.

Depending on the Bible translation you use, will determine the words of each fruit characteristic. Although some of the words are different, the meanings found in the translations are the same. 

Example: In the The King James Version, “longsuffering” is used where other translations use the word “patience”. In the New Testament  KJV, the word for longsuffering is translated 12 times as such and the same Greek word is translated as patience 2 times. 

If you dig deeper into the words, their translations and meanings, you will discover that many of the words are similar within the version you read. Kindness, goodness and gentleness can have the same effects, but are used in different ways. 

We will list the KJV and the ESV words that are used from Galatians 5:22-23. 

King James Version :

  • love
  • joy
  • peace
  • longsuffering
  • gentleness
  • goodness
  • faith
  • meekness
  • temperance

English Standard Version :

  • love
  • joy
  • peace
  • patience
  • kindness
  • goodness
  • faithfulness
  • gentleness
  • self control

The Fruit of the Spirit Printables for Kids

Fruit of the Spirit Coloring Pages and Lessons

Why Teach the Fruit of the Spirit?

Biblical Foundation

The Fruit of the Spirit encompasses love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are essential qualities that are who God is and His desires for how we should live. 

Teaching these virtues helps children understand and internalize biblical principles, grounding their faith from a young age helping them to grow in God’s Word. 

Character Development

Each characteristic of the Fruit of the Spirit contributes to a child’s character development.

  • By learning about love, children learn to care for others selflessly.
  • Joy teaches them to find happiness in God’s presence no matter how they feel. 
  • Peace helps them understand the importance of harmony.
  • Patience develops stronger faith 
  • Kindness encourage empathy and compassion.
  • Goodness puts the focus on who God is and all His blessings
  • Faithfulness is how we live and walk in our life
  • Gentleness is not weakness, but strength in compassion
  • Self-control guide them towards living a disciplined and sound mind life.
The Fruit of the Spirit is produced because of God’s presence in us. It is not a work for salvation. It is the work we do because of the love and mercy God has given us. His Word is the seed that grows in us as His presence grows through us! 
 

You cannot have fruit without a seed. 

You cannot bear good fruit apart from God.

You are known by your fruit!

Practical Application

Children can practice these works in their daily interactions, fostering a Christ-like attitude in their homes, schools, and communities. This practical application reinforces their understanding and makes these values a tangible part of their lives. 

Afterall, the purpose of the fruit of the Spirit is to share God’s love and presence with others. 

The fruit of the spirit Galatians 5:22-23

When We Nurture Children's Hearts

Reflect God’s Love

When we teach children how to embody the Fruit of the Spirit, they become a walking example to God’s work in their lives. 

Their actions and attitudes serve as a reflection of God’s love, grace, and kindness. 

This not only strengthens their faith but also makes an impact on those around them, creating opportunities to share the Gospel through what they do, how they live and how they treat the world around them.

Builds Strong Relationships

The characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit are foundational to healthy and positive relationships. 

Teaching children these values equips them to build strong, respectful, and loving relationships with family, friends, and peers. These qualities promote understanding, reduce conflicts, and foster a supportive community. 

We could use a lot more people displaying God’s presence in this world. Actually, Paul even wrote the church in Galatia telling them that there is no law against the qualities of the fruit of the Spirit. 

In other words, you cannot share love or joy or any of the nine words listed too much! 

Grow in Faith

Understanding the Fruit of the Spirit helps kids to develop a closer relationship with God and a deeper understanding of His nature. As they grow in these virtues, they also grow in their faith and trust in God.

sharing the fruit of the Spirit

Sharing God's Fruit with Others

Encouraging children to share the Fruit of the Spirit with others is a practice makes progress adventure. 

We have to remember saplings don’t bear fruit, but they do practice for it in their growing season. That means we as parents and educators are the example they see of how to love and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit. 

You are the walking illustration of who God is to them. 

They watch you and that shapes their understanding of love or kindness. They soak that up in the root system of their hearts until they too are sharing the through works they do and how they react to the world around them. 

When they demonstrate these virtues, they become living examples of God’s love. This can inspire others to seek the same qualities and can be a powerful witness to non-believers.

Practice makes progress! Afterall, even we adults struggle to be good examples of the fruit of the Spirit’s presence in our life. 

Paul gives us a list of these examples in the verses just before he list the fruit. 

 

Here are some ways children can share the Fruit of the Spirit

Acts of Kindness: Simple acts of kindness and generosity can have a profound impact on others. You are the seed container of God’s presence. We like to use the term ARK.  

The word ark in the Bible was used as a container to save Noah and his family and as a container God’s people carried until it was placed in God’s temple as a throne for His presence. 

ARK is Acts of Random Kindness! 

You can be a container of kindness doing random acts for others!

Peace and Patience: In times of conflict, exhibiting peace and patience can de-escalate situations and promote understanding. Be patient when you are running low on time or people are in a hurry. 

Joy and Love: Sharing joy and love with others, especially those who are hurting or lonely, can be a testament to God’s unconditional love.

Faithfulness and Goodness: Being reliable, honest, and good in their dealings with others showcases the transformative power of a life lived for Christ. God is good and faithful to us. 

Teaching children about the Fruit of the Spirit is crucial for their spiritual and moral development. It helps them grow in God’s Word, develop strong character, and build meaningful relationships. 

More importantly, it equips them to be ambassadors of God’s love, sharing His fruit with those around them. By nurturing these virtues in young hearts, we lay the foundation for a faithful, compassionate, and Christ-centered life.

We can help you on this journey!


We pray your children grow in God’s Word and His Spirit with “The Fruit of the Spirit for Kids”! This comprehensive resource is designed to engage kids of all ages in understanding and embodying the fruit outlined in Galatians 5:22-23.

We designed this resource to use for homeschooling, church activities, or family devotions to use at your own pace.

What’s Included:
Lessons for All Ages: Tailored teachings that introduce and explain each characteristic of the Fruit of the Spirit, thus making Biblical concepts accessible and meaningful for children.

Bible Verse Printables: Creatively designed printables featuring key Bible verses, perfect for memorization and daily reflection.

Coloring Pages: Creative and engaging coloring and dot marker pages that illustrate the Fruit of the Spirit, while helping kids to visualize and remember.

Mazes Games and Puzzles: Fun and challenging mazes and puzzles that reinforce the lessons while providing interactive learning.

Hands-On Activities: Engaging activities that encourage kids to apply their creativity in practical ways, fostering spiritual growth and creative visuals.Ga

 

Key Features:

  • Age-Appropriate Content: Materials suitable for a wide range of ages, from preschoolers to teens.
  • Versatile Use: Ideal for homeschooling environments, church Sunday schools, vacation Bible schools, and family devotional times.
  • Faith-Based Learning: Rooted in Christian values, these resources help children grow in their faith and understanding of God’s Word.
  • Easy to Use: Ready-to-print formats make it simple for parents and teachers to implement and enjoy.

 

Fruit of the Spirit for kids what's included

Our goal for The Fruit of the Spirit for Kids

  • Biblical Foundation: Ground your children’s education in scripture and the teachings of Christ.
  • Engaging and Educational: A variety of activities keep kids interested and eager to learn more about the Fruit of the Spirit.
  • Supportive for All Learning Styles: Whether your child is a visual learner, hands-on learner, or enjoys interactive tasks, there’s something here for everyone.
  • Designed for You to Set Your Own Pace: We do not create curriculum, we create resources to help you and your children interact with God’s Word. Read, glean and instruct your children with the Bible using the pieces you know work for you and them and at your own pace.

Empower your children to grow spiritually and develop a strong, Christ-centered character with “The Fruit of the Spirit for Kids“. 

Start nurturing the seeds of faith in their hearts!