Hands-on Faith for Families
Week of September 23, 2013
Overview:
Outwardly doing what is right is easy, but living out your faith on a daily basis can be difficult. This entails being motivated from the inside and having the courage to do what is right before God and your neighbor. In this reading plan, parents can help their children explore what it means to have a faith that is a part of every moment. It will help kids understand a little more about prayer, obedience, imitating Jesus, the fruit of our actions and sharing our faith.
Bear Good Fruit
Play: Play "I’m Thinking of a Fruit Tree." Describe different kinds of fruit trees based on the type of fruit they produce. For example, "I’m thinking of a tree that grows sour, yellow fruit,” or “I’m thinking of a tree that grows round, red fruit that is crunchy and sweet.” Have your kids guess what tree you're describing.
Talk: Many trees look similar, but the type of fruit they produce sets them apart. Just as fruit trees can be recognized by the fruit that grows on them, our lives produce a kind of "fruit" that allows others to recognize us as followers of Jesus. These fruit aren't foods, but actions—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control—called the "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23). What are some ways the fruit of the Spirit can be seen in your life?
Pray: Ask God to help you show love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control to those around you.
—Nicole Brouwer
