Good News WEEK 4 - PART 3

 
There is so much good news in the word of God! Here in Galatians 5:22-23 is an example:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

Look on page 2-7 of your booklet and read all the words in the illustration. Ask yourself, "Have I said these words to a friend or sibling? Have I acted these ways with those around me?" 

I am happy to report, I have seen these "good fruits" in all of you! And I am delighted that your hearts are already being nourished to behave in good ways. And I know that you will continue to grow good fruits out of your good heart if you keep on working at it. 
These are some of the things I have already seen:


Root: The desire to love and please God.





Fruit--Love: a loving heart shows an unselfish concern for others and desires to do good to them.



Fruit--Patience: A patient heart will wait without grumbling or complaining.



Fruit--Kindness: A kind heart is interested in the well-being of others and will be considerate and helpful toward them.



Fruit--Gentleness: A gentle heart is compassionate toward others. It is kind and loving, not harsh or violent.





Now back to our story about Tony and his mom.

Some common drawbacks that keep us from taking responsibility for our choices are making excuses like, "It was and accident!"

Yes, accidents do happen and they certainly can cause conflicts. But ask yourself, "Was it really an accident that Tony stomped off and slammed the door? (No, it was a deliberate choice.)

ACCIDENTS VS CHOICES

Accidents are usually the result of carelessness. For example:
  • You bump into someone you didn't see.
  • You spill a glass of milk on the counter as you reach for the cereal.
  • You fall down and tear your pants.
An accident will not always cause a conflict, but a sinful or angry response to an accident can cause a conflict. 

Unlike accidents, choices are deliberate. In other words, choices result in our saying or doing something on purpose (or deliberately not saying or doing something). For example, it is a choice to:
  • hit your brother.
  • tell a lie.
  • take something that doesn't belong to you.
  • talk back to your parents.
  • call your friend a name.
  • not come home on time.
  • not do your homework.
  • not clean your room.
Your choices are your responsibility and your choices ultimately show what is in your heart. Good choices come from a heart what wants to please Jesus, while bad choices come from a heart intent on pleasing yourself. (C. Sande, p. 41)

In your spiral on the next clean page answer these questions:
1. What do you think could have been some of the root causes of the conflict between Tony and his mother?
2. What is usually the root desire of your choices?
3. Look on page 2-3 of your workbook. Fill in the blanks and copy into your spiral.

3. Copy your Bible verse into your spiral from memory. Or at least try to do it from memory. How many times did you have to look?
4. Complete the Root and Fruit Maze on page 2-9, and the Monster Scramble on page 2-10. When you're done glue or tape them into your spiral.

Sande, Corlette. The Young Peace Maker Teaching Students to Respond to Conflict God’s Way, Illustrated by Russ Flint, Wapwallopen, PA 18660, Shepherd Press, 1997.

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