Fruits of The Spirit - Joy
- jewlearning
- Apr 26
- 4 min read
Opening Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy ...
Recap: What was the first fruit of the spirit that we discussed and what does it mean to have that fruit of the spirit?
Theme: Joy is not a feeling—it comes from God and remains even in hard times.
Lesson: Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is based on what happens while joy comes from God and stays even when things go wrong. It's not enough to just keep the commandments, you must do it joyfully.
Characteristics of Joy
📖Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Joy helps you to keep going.
📖James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptation.
Joy doesn't disappear because life is difficult. We must have joy in hard times also.
📖John 15:10-11 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
If you keep the commandments, you will have joy.
Ask child: What do all these scriptures teach us about where joy comes from?
Joy comes from God and not our situation.
Ask child: So if we obey God and trust Him—even in hard times—what will we have?
Joy
Talking point: Joy doesn’t come from everything going right. Joy comes from God—and it stays when we obey and trust Him.
📌Activity 1: Call and Response
Parent: “When I’m sad…”
Child: “I choose joy!”
Teacher: “When things go wrong…”
Kids: “I choose joy!”
Continue the call and response while inserting other emotions such as angry, annoyed, tired, scared, etc.
Joy is not about how you feel. Joy is choosing God no matter how you feel.
📖Deuteronomy 28:47 Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things;
We chose not to serve the Lord with joy, so the curses (vs 15-68) were put upon us.
📌Activity 2: Is That Joy?
Give your child examples and after each example, ask them "Is that joy?"
I obey only after being told 3 times.
I take forever on purpose because I don’t want to do it.
I get mad when I’m corrected.
I read the Bible but I’m rushing through it.
Feel free to make up your own scenarios and discuss how to move with joy.
Talking point: You can do the right thing… and still be wrong if your attitude isn’t right.
📖Biblical Examples
Paul and Silas (Acts 16) - They had joy in suffering. They were beaten and thrown in prison for preaching the gospel. Still, they prayed and sang praises unto God while in prison. Joy is not based on everything going good in your life. Would you still praise God even if things were going wrong?
Habakkuk (Habakkuk 3) - He had joy when nothing was going right. There was no food, animals, and everything was failing. Even with all of that he said I will rejoice in the Lord. Joy chooses God even when life is hard. Can you still have joy when things go wrong?
The Israelites (Numbers 11) - God provided for them but they still complained. Complaining shows a lack of joy. Do you complain even when God provides for you?
Ahab (1 Kings 21) - Ahab had a selfish attitude. He didn't get what he wanted so he threw a tantrum. Selfishness destroys joy. Do you get upset when you don't get your way
Talking Point: You can obey but still have the wrong spirit. This means obeying without complaining, receiving correction with humility and trusting God even when things are difficult. Joy comes from trusting God. Joy disappears when we focus on ourselves.
📌Activity 3: Joy or Feelings
Give your child the following scenarios. If they are being led by emotions have them yell out feelings. If they are being led by joy have them yell out joy. Feel free to make up your own scenarios as well.
I praise God only when things go right.
I thank God even when things go wrong.
I complain when I don’t get my way.
I trust God no matter what.
Joy is not just doing the right thing… it’s doing it the right way.
📌Activity 4: Coloring Sheets
Reflection Section
Have them write:
Do I only feel good when things go my way?
Do I complain when things are hard?
How can I show joy this week?
Memory Statement:
Joy comes from God, not my situation.
Closing Message: Joy is not about everything going right. Joy is about trusting God no matter what. When you stay connected to God... your joy stays strong.
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