By admin
Before you begin, find a dead tree branch, if possible, one with enough branches so that it resembles a small tree. You will also need a fresh orange or apple.
As kids gather, show the branch and ask kids “what do you see?” allow for any answers then ensure kids know the branch is dead. Show the orange and ask if fruit like it could grow on the branch. What if you dug a hole and planted the branch in the ground? What if you watered and fertilized it?
No matter how hard we try to bring life to this branch we can’t, it is dead. It can’t produce apples or oranges. We might use it to build a campfire and make s’mores. But no matter what we do, we won’t get oranges from this branch. We won’t get pineapples, either. Or pears. Or plums. Or peaches. Not even pomegranates!
Dead branches don’t grow fruit. Only living branches do that!
When we believe in Jesus, he makes us “living branches.” Here’s what the Bible says about that. (Read John 15:5.) Jesus says we bear fruit. So, do apples, oranges, pears or pineapples grow out of our ears or toes?
No, that’s just silly. The Bible tells us, instead, that the Holy Spirit works faith-fruit in us. Listen!
The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23 NLT).
Which is your favorite faith-fruit? Why? (Encourage kids to comment. Accept any answer. Elaborate as time will allow, using remarks like these.)
- Oh, yes, love is a favorite faith-fruit of mine, too.
- It makes Jesus so happy when we show kindness to others.
- It’s hard sometimes to be patient. We can ask the Holy Spirit to make it possible for us to bear more of this faith-fruit when we need it.
Here’s my problem, though. This past week, I had an opportunity to show love. But I didn’t. I was cross and stubborn instead. I wasn’t always joyful or peaceful. I was unkind. And I lost my temper, so I didn’t show self-control.
Am I the only one? Or did some of you bear rotten “fruit” these ways, too? (Encourage kids to share the kinds of rotten fruit they may see in their own lives.)
Does Jesus get mad at us? Does he give up on us? He does not! He is kind, good, and loving. Because he forgives, we can say, “Dear Jesus, please forgive me for not being______(loving, kind, patient).” And he always does!
Then we can say, “Dear Jesus, thank you for the Holy Spirit that helps me grow more faith-fruit - love, joy, peace, patience, and all the rest.” The Holy Spirit goes to work in our spirit hearts and lives, making us more like Jesus. Isn’t that wonderful! It makes me so very glad!
Let’s pray: Dear Father, thank you for making us more like Jesus. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to make us alive in faith so our lives are full of faith-fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, and the rest. Help us grow more and more faith-fruit every day! We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
