Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness

Study Scripture:

Matthew 7:12 - "Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets." (NLT)

Lesson From Scripture: The Widow's Offering in Mark 12

In Mark 12:41-44 there was a collection box at the temple where crowds would go to give their money. Jesus sat and watched all the wealthy people come and drop in large amounts of money. Then came a poor widow who dropped in two coins. Jesus explained to his disciples how her donation was greater than all those that came before her, because she gave all she had. While others gave a portion of their income, she gave it all.

Life Lessons:

Being good is not just about giving money, but giving from the heart. The woman sacrificed her money in order to do good. Goodness is a fruit of the spirit, because it takes effort to cultivate. Matthew 7:12 is often called "The Golden Rule," because it defines how we should treat one another. Sometimes we need to put effort into how we speak and act toward one another. We need to ask ourselves how we would feel if we were treated the way we were treating others.

Being good is not necessarily about making easy choices. There are so many messages out there telling us it is okay to "sin." Today we are taught that "if it feels good, it must be good." Yet the Bible tells us many different things about those "feel good" acts like sex and drinking. While some of them are good things, they are usually good in the right context.

Yet goodness comes from a place in our hearts. It comes from a focus on God and not a focus on what the world tells us is good. While both versions of goodness can overlap, a Christian teen's focus should be on God's idea of good.

Fruit of the Spirit: Joy

Study Scripture:

Psalm 68:3 - "But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy." (NLT)

Lesson From Scripture: The Jews in Esther 8

The story of Esther's bravery is commemorated by the Jews every year during Purim. It is one more story of how the Jews were persecuted, but then a young Jewish girl became queen and saved the Jews from slaughter. When the Jews learned that the King gave a decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against an impending slaughter they celebrated in the streets. They "were filled with joy and gladness and were honored everywhere. They declared a public festival and holiday."

Life Lessons:

One of the amazing parts of the Book of Esther is that it never once mentions God directly. While His hand is in the events that take place, we only know that the people fasted in prayer and of the characters' religious affiliations. Yet God is everywhere in the Book. His hand in saving the Jews from slaughter also allows for great celebration in Esther 8.

What we learn about this fruit of the Spirit, joy, is that it comes from God, though we may not always see His hand in it. Sometimes we face hardships and trials, and some Christian teens feel like God is not there with them. Yet God wants us to have joy and happiness in our lives. Sometimes we find joy in the most turbulent times, and sometimes joy just finds us. Other times we just need to open our hearts to being joyful.

Fruit of the Spirit: Love

Study Scripture:

John 13:34-35 - "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." (NLT)

Lesson From Scripture: Jesus on the Cross

It may seem cliche, but Jesus' willingness to die for the world's sins is the epitome of love. It is the example of love that we should all strive toward. Jesus didn't have to die for our sins. He could have given in to the demands of the Pharisees. He could have said he was not the Messiah, but he did not. He knew what telling the truth meant, and he was willing to die up on that cross - a terrible and torturous death. He was beaten and cajoled. He was pierced. And yet, he did it all for us, so that we would not have to die for our sins.

Life Lessons:

Jesus tells us in John 13 to love one another as He has loved us. How much do you show love to those around you? How much do you care about those that are not very kind to you? What sacrifices are you making to help those around you? While all of the kindness, goodness, and joy are wonderful fruits of the Spirit, they are still not as great as love.

Having love like Jesus means growing a love for everyone. That is not always the simplest thing to do. People say mean things. They hurt us, and sometimes it is hard to keep our focus on love. Sometimes Christian teens are so hurt that they find it difficult to love anyone, not just those that hurt them. Other times messages get in the way of us loving ourselves, so it is hard to love others.

Still, having a love like Jesus' can be found in your heart. Through prayer and effort Christian teens can find themselves loving even the most difficult people. You don't have to like someone's actions to love them. Jesus did not like many of the things people around him were doing, but he still loved them. Remember, sin is an action done by a real live person. There is a saying, "hate the sin, not the sinner." We all sin, and Jesus loves us. Sometimes we need to look beyond the act at the person instead.