The “Stormy” World vs. God’s Peace, Galatians 5.
Use this Children’s Sermon message and Sunday School lesson to teach kids how “peace” is a Fruit of the Spirit. We have just shared some new Bible crafts on PEACE to accompany this lesson pan. You may also enjoy our comprehensive 9-Week Curriculum on the Fruit of the Spirit for Kids.
Peace Out! Calming the Storm “The Fruit of the Spirit Part 3: Peace
Craft Ideas: The Fruit of the Spirit is Peace (Galatians 5:13-25)
Begin by asking the children: “What does peace feel like?” Most will say it feels like a quiet nap, a calm lake, or no one yelling.
Main Objective: Peace is an important part of our mental health and our lives as Christians. God gives us peace beyond our understanding, a calm that withstands all of the storms we face. This message focuses on the meaning and blessing of peace. Through prayer and God’s presence, we can have peace in any situation. This message describes for children what peace is and how it helps us, comparing it to the stilling of a storm or waves. The account of Jesus calming the storm is a good connection example of how He has power to give peace to the weather and to our hearts.
Law/Gospel Theme: There are many ways that we might try to create peace for ourselves, or manufacture an inner sense of peace. But true peace, regardless of circumstances, comes from knowing Jesus. We can take comfort in His abiding presence and power in our lives. Being filled with His spirit results in peace that passes all understanding!
Note: This is the third in a series of lessons on the fruit of the spirit. The focus this week is on peace, with an emphasis on Philippians 4 and the calming of the storm.
Optional Materials: Jar or bottle filled with water (you might want to add food coloring); pictures of or items that represent peace or peaceful thoughts.
Bible Passage: Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:6-7; Mark 4:35-41
The Hook: Bring a jar of water with glitter in it. Shake it up.
- The Shaken Jar: This is like our hearts when we are worried, angry, or hurried. We can’t see clearly.
- The Settled Jar: When we let the glitter settle, the water is clear. This is what we think of as peace.
But Biblical Peace (Shalom) is even better. It isn’t just the absence of trouble; it is the presence of God even when things are loud or scary.
The Scripture Breakdown (Galatians 5:13-25)
1. Freedom to Love (Verses 13-15)
Paul starts by saying we are “called to be free.” But this isn’t freedom to do whatever we want (which usually leads to fighting). It is freedom to serve one another in love.
Teaching Point: Peace is broken when we “bite and devour each other”. Peace is built when we put others first.
2. The Great Tug-of-War (Verses 16-18)
Explain that inside every Christian, there is a tug-of-war between our “flesh” (our selfish side) and the “Spirit” (God’s side).
- The Flesh wants to be first, get angry, and cause trouble.
- The Spirit wants to lead us toward God’s calm.
- The Key: To have peace, we have to let the Spirit win the tug-of-war by listening to God’s Word.
3. The Fruit of the Spirit (Verses 22-23)
Peace is the third fruit mentioned. It’s important to note that it’s “Fruit” (singular), not “Fruits.” When the Holy Spirit lives in us, He brings a “cluster” of goodness—Love, Joy, and Peace grow together!
4. Keeping in Step (Verses 24-25)
Paul ends by saying, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
- Activity: Have the children line up and try to walk exactly in your footsteps. If they go too fast or too slow, they lose the rhythm. Peace comes when we walk at God’s pace, not our own.
Object Lesson: The Peace of a Light Bulb
A light bulb is peaceful because it has a constant connection to power. Even if the room is dark and scary, the bulb stays bright and calm because it is plugged in.
- Our Connection: Prayer and the Bible are our “plug” to the Holy Spirit.
“Peace Path” Tracing
Activity Description: Create a worksheet where a child is on one side and a “Stormy Cloud” is in the middle. On the far side is a “Peaceful Home” (representing God’s presence).
Instruction: “Trace the path of the Spirit to lead the child through the storm and into God’s Peace.”
Memory Verse
Galatians 5:22-23a “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
The “Peace” Clap: Every time the kids say the word “PEACE” in the verse, have them take a deep breath and fold their hands over their hearts.
Teacher’s Closing Prayer
“Lord, thank You that Peace is a gift from Your Spirit. Help these children to remember that even when their day feels ‘shaken up’ like the glitter jar, You are with them. Help us keep in step with You this week. In Jesus’ name Amen.”
Fruit of the Spirit Worksheet for Kids
