Why is kindness an essential part of Christian character?
Family Activity:
Challenge each family member to practice extra patience and kindness with one another throughout the day. Share their experiences in the evening.
Hymn: “Great is Thy Faithfulness” (Thomas Chisholm, 1923)
History: Written by Thomas Chisholm, this hymn celebrates God’s unwavering patience and kindness towards His people, fitting for reflecting on these virtues.
Day 3: Goodness and Faithfulness
Focus: Living out goodness and faithfulness as fruits of the Spirit.
What does it mean to live a life characterized by goodness?
How can we remain faithful to God in our everyday lives?
Family Activity:
Spend time as a family identifying acts of goodness and faithfulness in each other and the broader community.
Hymn: “Goodness of God” (Bethel Music, 2019)
History: This modern hymn was written as a response to the overwhelming goodness of God, making it a perfect companion to discussing the virtue of goodness.
Day 4: Gentleness
Focus: Cultivating gentleness in words and actions.
How does being gentle reflect the character of Jesus?
In what areas of life do we struggle with gentleness?
Family Activity:
Create a “gentleness jar” where family members can drop notes when they witness acts of gentleness in the home.
Hymn: “Be Still My Soul” (Katharina von Schlegel, 1752)
History: Written by Katharina von Schlegel, this hymn emphasizes the quietness and gentleness of trusting God’s plan, aligning with the gentleness taught in Galatians 5.
Day 5: Self-Control
Focus: Learning to practice self-control through the help of the Holy Spirit.
Why is self-control necessary in the Christian walk?
How can we rely on the Holy Spirit to help us practice self-control?
Family Activity:
Have each family member share an area in which they need more self-control. Pray together for growth in this area.
Hymn: “Take My Life and Let It Be” (Frances Havergal, 1874)
History: Frances Havergal’s hymn speaks to surrendering all aspects of life to Christ, including exercising self-control and discipline under His lordship.
1. “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” (Charles Wesley, 1747):
Wesley wrote this hymn to capture the transforming love of God, a core part of the fruit of the Spirit. It is often considered a prayer for God’s love to work in believers’ hearts.
2. “Great is Thy Faithfulness” (Thomas Chisholm, 1923):
Inspired by Lamentations 3:22-23, this hymn celebrates God’s steadfast faithfulness, a theme that resonates with faithfulness in Galatians 5:22.
3. “Goodness of God” (Bethel Music, 2019):
This modern hymn speaks to God’s constant goodness, fitting well with the fruit of goodness and how we can reflect God’s goodness in our lives.
4. “Take My Life and Let It Be” (Frances Havergal, 1874):
Frances Havergal’s classic hymn reflects total surrender and self-control, allowing God to guide every aspect of life.
This family devotional plan invites deep reflection and practical application of the fruits of the Spirit, blending scripture, discussion, worship, and modern as well as traditional hymns to strengthen family bonds in faith.