Fruit of the Spirit: Peace

Memory Verse: Psalm 34:14
Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Bible Lesson:
Fruit of Peace - Apple

What does it mean?
Peace has two meanings in the Bible; an inner peace and outward showing of peace. Only Jesus Christ can give true peace. In the Fruit of the Spirit, the peace that Paul is talking about it an inward peace, knowing that we are secure in our salvation in Jesus Christ. Jesus can give us peace in any situation, keeping our focus on Him.

I had one of the kids come up and we dressed as a soldier leading an army into battle. Instead of the tradtitional armor, we had a flyswatter for a sword, balloon for a spear, gray fabric for armor, a rubber lid for a shield, a cap for a helmet, flip flops and rubber gloves.

I asked the kids if they were wearing this armor, would they feel prepared to go into battle against swords, steel armor and guns? Would they have a peace of mind that they would be ok? Would they feel secure in their armor? No, they would be worried, concerned! Those things wouldn't give them peace, only Jesus Christ can give true peace.

How does Jesus show us an example?
John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Jesus tells us that He is the only true source of peace. If we believe in Him, we can trust Him in any situation.

Matthew 5:39, "But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." Jesus gives us the example of showing peace to others. Not to cause conflict and disagree, but to be in peace with each other. Even when you want to get angry and upset with what others have done to you, you can show them the peace you have...the peace Jesus can only give.

Isaiah 26:3, "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." If we keep our minds and focus on Jesus, he will bring us true peace and security.

How can we show peace to others?
What are some ways you can show peace this week? If you have a really hard test and you have studied as hard as you can and you still don't feel prepared, pray that Jesus will give you peace about that test. You will do the best you can!

What about if someone does something to do that just drives you crazy or makes you angry? Are you going to do the same thing to them or not?

I had each of the kids write down one thing they could do this week to show peace on two dye cut apples. Then they hung them one up in the tree on my sketch pad and the other one they took home to remind them to do it. Next week we will pick the apples from the tree and see if they produced the fruit of peace the previous week. (see first photo for apple tree)

Here's a few pics from our night on peace:

Christina and Abby during the Bible lesson

Looking up Bible verses