Answering BIG QUESTIOns

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. In Matthew 26:47- 27:44, we see Jesus hung on a cross. Although he has the power to come down from the cross, and people taunt him to prove he’s really God by getting himself down, Jesus shows self-control and stays on the cross. Jesus knows he has to die for us, so he uses self-control. This fruit of the Spirit is hard for lots of us, especially kids. Frustr...

Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit. In John 8:1-11, the religious leaders tried to trap Jesus by bringing a woman who was caught in sin. The law said she should be stoned to death. Jesus handles the situation with gentleness, not condoning the sin but sending her accusers away and treating her gently. Gentleness can seem weak to some of us. In a world that values strength and courage, gentleness ...

Faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit. Faithfulness can refer to faithfulness to God and faithfulness to friends. But faithful friendships are hard to find among kids. In the example of David and Jonathan’s friendship in 1 Samuel 20, Jonathan’s dad, Saul, hated David because of his threat to lead the kingdom. Jonathan is a faithful friend as he risks his life to rescue David from Saul. Challeng...

Goodness is a fruit of the Spirit. Goodness can seem like a neutral word. “How was school today?” “Good.” “How’s dinner?” “Good.” It’s a word we typically use to indicate something is not especially noteworthy one way or the other. But God’s goodness is so much more than just “fine” or average! In the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37, we see a man who showed goodness by stopping t...

Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit. In Genesis 18:1-15, we see Abraham show kindness to people he thought were strangers. Turns out it was really angels and God! Wow! What is the kindest thing someone has done for you? How did it make you feel? How can you practice kindness in every situation, at home, school and around town? ...