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Fruit of The Spirit Jar
Several years ago, I shared my friend Melody’s idea for a “Fruit of the Spirit” jar that we used over the summer to help teach our children a small lesson in the fruits of the Sprit each day. At that time all three of my kids (then ages 11, 8 & 4) worked on learning Galatians 5:22:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
My kids have grown quite a bit since then, but we still (of course!) have moments where we struggle with discipline.
(PRINT YOUR FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT LABEL HERE)
It (obviously!) is pretty simple to make. I used a mason jar (an empty spaghetti jar would work too), some clearance Easter jelly beans (I really liked the idea of using Runts since they’re shaped in fruit shapes – you can pick those up at the Dollar Tree!) and labeled the jar with the verse.
Our original Fruit of the Spirit jar from 2011. Any mason jar and jelly beans will do!
Back when we were first making these, I would try and keep my ears alert for moments when they would model the fruit of the spirit.
For example, if Jackson did something sweet for one of his sisters, I would ask which fruit he was displaying and he would get to pick a candy from the jar.
If Caroline managed to show patience when she really just wanted to hurry, she’d choose a treat. And, when Reagan would manage to make it down the stairs for school without any griping or complaining, she could get a treat too. I would also ask them to share again what the fruits of the spirit were before they get their treat.
I am always simply amazed at how much more effective positive motivators work in our home, compared to all my efforts at hollering, griping, and whining-to-the-point-of-exhaustion to encourage my children.
If you’ve been looking for a way to positively encourage your kids as well as teach them the values of the Fruits of the Spirit, give this one a try.
I’d love to hear what other tips you have on teaching biblical principals as well as encouraging good behavior in your kiddos!
I love this! I sure wish I had something like this when our sons were little.
I did however print this for the grandchildren!!
Such a “sweet” idea!!
thank you!
You’re so welcome Lynn!! 🙂
What a wonderful God wink! Just yesterday, I decided to have a Fruits of the Spirit challenge. My girls, 6&8, have been bickering lately. I want to encourage them to focus on their relationship, not the stuff they bicker about! I am going to incorporate this with my approach. I am also going to print fruit cards with a trait listed on them. I’ll have them either “draw from the fruit bowl”, or put one under the breakfast plate (I will choose which I think they need extra practice with) and once their fruit is revealed, that is the trait to be especially intentional about for that day We’ll change fruits the next day or so, and do it again. But I like your idea of the positive reinforcement with something visual and edible! Haha.
Love-Love-Love this idea. Should the printable state Galatians 5:22-23? Thank you for sharing all your awesome money-saving tips with us. Be blessed.
Thank you for sharing! I’m going to make one for my 7 year old granddaughter who was saved recently!
You’re so very welcome Nancy! And what wonderful news about your granddaughter ~ praise the Lord! 🙂 So exciting!
I like it so much I want to forward yr email to my boss at kids r kids . I help 2 and 3 yr olds but we have many pre school age children as well. Us teachers struggle daily reminding these children the fruits of the spirit without actually referring it to that title
Laurie: What a lovely idea. I think we all can use some positive motivators now and then, its not just for children…. : )
Thanks Linda! I really do love it – and definitely need them myself as well . . . 🙂