Before you begin
This study is designed for a youth group of middle school to high school age, and can be done in about 45 to 60 minutes. You will need Bibles, paper and pens, and optionally a few pieces of real fruit. Adjust the pace and number of questions for your group.
The main idea: according to Galatians 5, the qualities that make a Christian life attractive are described as fruit of the Spirit, not as a list of achievements. They grow as a person stays close to God, not by trying harder alone. Your group will probably include teens who feel they are failing at being “good”, so this message can be especially encouraging.
Opening activity
Ask students to name a few qualities they would want in a close friend. Write them on a board. Then ask which of these qualities are easy to fake for a day but hard to keep up for a year. This leads naturally into the idea that real character takes time to grow.
Alternative: pass around a piece of fruit and ask whether it is possible to make an apple appear on a tree just by wanting it to. Where does fruit come from?
Read Galatians 5:16-26
Have students take turns reading. The key verses are Galatians 5:22-23. In the KJV: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” Modern translations use words like patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Notice that Paul says “fruit” (singular), not “fruits”. Many teachers take this to mean the nine qualities are one cluster that belongs together, rather than separate gifts that different people have. This differs from spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, which are distributed in different ways. Some groups still use the popular phrase “fruits of the Spirit”, and that is fine.
Vine and branches (John 15:1-8)
Read John 15:4-5. Jesus says that a branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, and that apart from him his followers can do nothing.
For a broader look at how believers mature, see Bible verses about growing in Christ.
Questions:
- What does a branch actually do to produce fruit?
- What does “remaining” or “abiding” look like for a teenager (prayer, reading Scripture, church, honest conversation with God, friends who encourage faith)?
- How is this different from trying to be good through willpower alone?
The nine qualities
Read each with a short question. Students can discuss in pairs.
- Love. Who is hardest for you to love? What does love look like when you do not feel like it?
- Joy. How is joy different from being happy or entertained?
- Peace. Where do you feel anxious? What can you hand to God in prayer?
- Patience (longsuffering). When are you most easily irritated at home or with friends?
- Kindness (gentleness in KJV). What is one small kind thing you can do this week for someone who is overlooked?
- Goodness. What does doing the right thing look like when no one is watching?
- Faithfulness (faith in KJV). Can people rely on you to keep your word?
- Gentleness (meekness in KJV). How can strength be used to protect and not to dominate?
- Self-control (temperance in KJV). Where do you struggle most to say no (phone, words, temper, habits)?
Flesh and Spirit
Before the fruit list, Paul gives a list of “works of the flesh” in Galatians 5:19-21, such as hatred, jealousy, fits of anger and selfish ambition. Take care here, especially with teens: this is not a way to label people, but a description of two ways of living.
Questions:
- Why do you think Paul says to “walk in the Spirit” (verse 16)?
- Which is more tempting for you: the quick reaction or the patient response?
- Verse 24 says that those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh. How might different traditions explain what that means? (Many say it describes a decisive turning toward Christ and an ongoing struggle.)
Activities
- Fruit tree. Draw a tree on poster paper. Each student writes one way they have seen a quality in someone else on a paper fruit and sticks it on the tree.
- Role-play. Act out short scenarios (a rude comment online, a friend left out of a group) and discuss how each quality might change the response.
- Fruit tasting. If you bring fruit, link the textures and tastes to each quality as a light reflection. Check allergies first.
- Journal prompt. Write down one quality you would like to grow in, and one practical step.
Discussion questions
- Which quality do you see most in your friends or family?
- Which do you most want God to grow in you?
- Can someone show some of these qualities without believing in God? How does Paul’s description differ from general good behavior?
- How do you handle failure when you act in a way that is not like the fruit of the Spirit? (Consider 1 John 1:9.)
Closing prayer and challenge
Close with a short prayer asking God to help each person stay close to him and to grow in the qualities discussed. Challenge students to choose one quality for the week and to notice moments when it is needed.
For more on the Spirit’s work, see our Holy Spirit discussion questions.
Tips for leaders
- Avoid shaming. The message is God’s help, not a score.
- Model honesty by admitting that you also struggle.
- Keep Scripture central and let students speak.
- If a student shares something serious, follow your church’s safeguarding and care guidelines, and involve appropriate adults.