Explain to the children that we have been learning and singing about
the Spiritual Fruits. Now it is time to experience those fruits.
Have each child pick out their favorite lollipop (I bought tootsie pops.
Encourage children sitting next to each other to try different
flavors). Tell them to place it on the table in front of them and not to open it or touch it.
This is practicing SELF CONTROL.
(They will probably need to be reminded not to touch it throughout the
lesson. After each command explain why they are doing this).
Explain that they need to wait until the lesson is over before having the lollipop.
This is PATIENCE
Ask, "Does everyone like the flavor lollipop they chose?"
Tell everyone to raise their right hand so they will know which is left and right.
Have them give their lollipop to the person on their right.
God commands us to LOVE one another. If we love someone we want them to have the best.
It’s also KINDNESS to give someone something that we really want for ourselves.
Ask: Now, if we didn’t like the lollipop we had, and gave it away so that we could get a better one, would that be an act of kindness or love? The answer is
no, that would be selfishness.
Now let’s give our lollipop to the person on our left. (remind the kids which side is left.)
This is GOODNESS. (Everyone should have the lollipop they chose.) We gave back the lollipops so that everyone would have their favorite.
Ask. Is everyone happy? Do we feel good inside knowing that we have our favorite flavor lollipop back?
This is JOY. Let’s see some big smiles.
Lets be faithful by giving thanks to God for everything. Would anyone like to say a prayer before we eat?
This is FAITHFULNESS.
Now let’s pretend our lollipops are eggs. We have to unwrap them very gently or they will break. Be very gentle.
This is GENTLENESS.
Now you can taste your lollipop.
While all are eating their pops and the room is quiet, explain that this is what peace feels like. (maybe just for the teacher)
Now we have an idea of what Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness,
Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control feel like.
Submitted by Hilda Ward
Hil.den@snet.net
Liberty Community Church, No. Haven Ct
