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

It’s hard to believe Christmas was almost two months ago. Do you remember how you felt as you got ready for the special day? Excited? Helpful? Did you feel sad when all the decorations were put away? Maybe you were a little angry because you didn’t get the present you asked for?

God made us to have all kinds of feelings. When do you feel happy? Are you ever bored? Do you pout when you don’t get your way? What are some other words that say how we feel?

Our feelings are real, but we don’t have to obey them. Here are some examples. Someone broke your new toy and you feel like bopping him or her in the nose. Should you do that? No, of course not! You got an “A” or a star on your homework and you feel proud and happy. You could brag about it and tell the other kids that they must not be very smart, but that wouldn’t be nice. Dad says you can’t go to your friend’s birthday party because the family already has plans for that day. Do you stomp your foot and shout, “I hate you!”? Oooh, I hope not.

Today’s verse calls our good feelings and actions “fruit.” And God wants good fruit! Which word tells you how to act instead of being mean? Can you find the “fruit” that is the opposite of hate? Can you be gentle with animals or kids younger than you? Don’t let bad or mean feelings be the boss. Pray and ask God to grow good fruit in you. God’s kind of fruit makes life sweet!