Listen

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against things like this.

Galatians 5:22-23

Think

It’s back to school time! I wonder how you feel about going back to school and getting back into a busy Fall routine. Maybe you’re excited to see your friends again. Maybe you’re feeling nervous to start at a new school. Maybe you’re disappointed summer is over. Maybe you’re feeling ready to go to class and get back to playing sports or playing in the band. Or maybe you’re feeling all of those!

It’s good to know how you’re feeling so you can know what you need to bring with you. Galatians says the “fruit of the Spirit” — the evidence of the Christian life — is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If you’re feeling annoyed school is starting, maybe you can pack some patience to take with you. If you’re feeling nervous, maybe pack some joy in your backpack to remind you to look for the good things happening in your day. Whatever you’re feeling, know that you can hold tight to what you need, letting it help you through your day.

Erin Spengeman Hutchison

Question to Ponder:

Which fruit of the Spirit are you going to put in your backpack and bring with you to school?

Pray

God, I pray your Spirit will go with me and help me as I start school again and get back into a new routine. Amen.

Go

What did you decide to put in your backpack?

Imagine you’re packing what you need and zipping up your backpack.

As you grab your backpack and go, remember that God is going with you, too.