The second lesson in this series on the fruit of the Spirit deals with the wonderful attributes of patience, kindness, and generosity. Each attribute has a special place in God’s kingdom. Think back to some of the people you most admire. There is a pretty high likelihood that they have or had one or more of these attributes in abundance.

A lesson learned through these three weeks is how dwelling and meditating on God helps us to have the Spirit. Having God’s presence in our lives, in turn, can give us more patience, more kindness, and more generosity. We will bear more fruit that will bless others, simply by having more of God’s presence in our lives.

Many of us have heard the wise old saying that “patience is a virtue.” Being patient keeps us from making impulsive decisions. Being patient allows us to see the growth that occurs in long–term investments (whether in financial or humanitarian matters). Patience allows us to travel at a slow enough speed so we can appreciate God’s gifts around us. Patience allows us to function in stressful situations, helping us to be at our best when forces are tempting us to be at our worst.

Kindness can stem from patience, but kindness is its own special fruit. Kindness is to exude the love of God through action. Kindness is the proactive practice of good deeds. Kindness is the ultimate respecter of persons—even those whom have wronged you previously. Kindness builds relationships and does not tear them down.

Generosity is the fruit of giving more of who you are and what you have than what is expected. Most people understand that we all have an obligation to “give back to the community” in whatever form that might present itself. Generosity is a sibling to sacrifice, as many who are generous have sacrificed gifts and/or opportunities for the betterment of another human being. Consider how Jesus gave up immense power, prestige, and eventually his life for the continual betterment of others. To give much of what you
have in concern for another is to be generous.

May this week with your children be a time where another seed planted can lead to blessed fruit for God’s kingdom.

Obviously, extending invitations to billions of people will require a lot of work, a lot of communication, and a lot of love. God needs us to spread the news, the love, and the promise. Because the task is great, much action is needed. The more people involved, the more work can be done and the easier the task will be.

This weekend’s lesson explored both the Bible passage of the Great Commission and the various ways in which children can fulfill that commission. Part of the goal of the lesson was to show some teachings of Jesus, so that the children can begin to learn things they can share with others.

The Great Commission is a charge for us all. However, evangelism, witness, and love can be explored in so many ways. No one single person has a mastery of every way that can be used to spread God’s Word. This week discover ways that you and your children can share God’s Word and God’s love with all of those he places in your paths.

Lets remember that the blessings we Christians are so fortunate to receive are also blessings that God wants the whole world to discover and enjoy. What a great feeling it is when we know we have helped another receive the blessings of God.

“I am the resurrection and the life” John 11:25

For all of you who served at the Easter Service, thanks for all your hard work. (Especially those who pulled double duty.) We appreciate your sacrifice. We couldn’t do it without you.
We had close to 400 kids in attendance this year. That’s the most we’ve ever had. (You know. You were there.)
Just to think, because of your willingness to serve as part of the body many souls were added to the kingdom. There’s no greater reward.
Be encouraged. Get some rest. Continue to pray.
Again, thank you for your service to these families and more importantly to our Lord Jesus Christ. May His name be praised and may He be glorified above all else.

John Green

When their little ship, the Mayflower, returned to England, not one of their little band abandoned the call. They called on God to sustain them. And they accepted the timely help of the Wampanoag Indians, especially the English speaking Squanto. Without this help, they might all have died.

The story of Plymouth Rock also reminds us of the Israelites in the Old Testament. They would place standing stones in key places to help them remember how God had led them, how He had watched over them. The Pilgrims identified most strongly with the people of God in the Bible. There may never have been so highly literate a community. All the Pilgrims eagerly learned to read words so that they might read the Word.

This Thanksgiving is a good time to remind our children of the many blessings that Our Lord has showered upon us in the past year. Even in this time of war and of deepening economic hardships, the harvests of our fields are still abundant. Our people have been spared further terrorist attacks, and we passed through a hotly contested election without the violence that too often mars political conflict in less happy lands.

Most of all, we give thanks for the joys of family life. When we gather around a holiday table, the faith, love, and commitment of mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers bind our family circle. Let us also remember to give thanks to God for the brave young men and women who stand guard for us and our blood bought freedoms in distant lands.

And let us resolve in this season to live as “living stones [who] are being built into a spiritual house.” (1 Peter 2:4-5).

God bless you and Happy Thanksgiving.