The fruits of the Spirit are a beautiful and essential part of a Christian life, offering a blueprint for how believers are called to live. But how do you translate profound concepts like “patience” or “self-control” into something tangible and exciting for little hearts and minds?
Teaching children about love, joy, peace, and the other fruits isn’t just about memorization; it’s about cultivating a vibrant, living faith that expresses itself in their daily actions and interactions. This post will explore engaging and age-appropriate ways to introduce the fruits of the Spirit to kids, helping them not only understand these divine qualities but also demonstrate them in their lives.
In this blog post:
- What are the fruits of the Spirit?
- How to talk about the fruits of the Spirit with kids
- 40+ activities for teaching kids about the fruits of the Spirit
- Try a free week of Flourish Family Bible Curriculum
- Bible resources to connect to young hearts from Treehouse Schoolhouse
What are the fruits of the Spirit?

The fruits of the Spirit are described in Galatians 5:22-23 as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
In Galatians, the fruits of the Spirit are listed with instructions on how to walk with the Spirit. They are a contrast to walking according to the “desires of the flesh.” When someone accepts Jesus as their Savior and Lord, they begin to reflect His nature and character. Christians turn away from sinful behaviors, and the Word of God and Holy Spirit teach and empower them to live more like Christ in their words, thoughts, and actions. As Christians grow in their faith and mature, their lives bear more fruit and display Christ-like behavior.
Related: How Do I Explain the Gospel to My Children? and Favorite Bible Books and Podcasts for Children