How to Make Faith in God a Family Affair
THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
How do you know if a tree is an apple tree?
(Because it grows apples!)
What about an orange tree? A grape vine? What about weeds?
Just like we know if a plant is good or bad, the Bible says you can tell what people are like by their “fruits”—what kinds of things grow from their hearts.
Do you know people who smile a lot? They have happy hearts. What about people who always help others? Or those who are often angry? What other “fruits” can you think of?
When we have God in our hearts, we grow “fruit of the spirit.” And the more time we spend with God, the more the fruit of the spirit grows!
Look up this verse: Galatians 5:22
- Which “fruits of the spirit” can we see in our family?
Pray about it: Thank God for the “fruits of the spirit” in our lives, and ask that we show more of them each day.
Family time!
As a family, make a fruit salad! Use one real fruit for each “fruit of the spirit” (for example, maybe strawberries represent love, oranges represent joy, etc.). See who can name all of the “fruits” from memory!
WHO ARE YOU?
Read together: Philemon 9-16
The name “Onesimus” means “useful.” This story doesn’t give us all the details, but how do you think Onesimus could have been useful to Paul?
Identity means “who you are.” Onesimus probably thought he was just a slave, but Paul calls him a “son” and later a “brother.”
- What is your identity? Son? Daughter? Sister? Father?
- Can it be more than one thing?
- Who do you think God says you are?
Look up this verse: John 15:15.
Help each other memorize this verse this week! Quiz each other, say it together, or make it fun!
Pray about it: Pray together as a family, thanking God for loving us and showing us how precious we are to God.
Family time!
The name “Onesimus” means “useful”, but what does your name mean? Use a baby name book or Internet resources to discover the meaning of each family member’s name. Parents, share the reasons why you chose your children’s names.
Stories and experiences bring us together as a family while God grows the Word in our hearts. They leave an impression that lasts, and these lessons will carry us through life’s challenges. They also reinforce a strong foundation of faith that is built upon as we begin to look a little more like Christ.
The activities above are a sample of “Bible Time for Active Kids”, a devotional designed for kids with lots of energy! For more information, visit www.malindafugate.com or check out the book.
This article originally appeared here.
