Galatians 5
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Listen. Paul is writing a letter. A long letter, to people far away. Those people love Jesus. But they are a little bit confused.
Paul says: "Jesus has made you free! You are free, like a bird from a cage." That is a beautiful thing. Jesus opened the cage. The people may fly.
But then Paul says something important. "Free does not mean: doing everything you want." No. Free means: you may love. You may love God. And you may love the people around you.
Paul makes two little piles. Two piles of things you can do.
The first pile is not nice. Grumbling. Hitting. Being jealous. Getting very angry. That pile smells bad. Like an old trash can.
The second pile is beautiful. It smells like flowers. In that pile is love. And joy. And peace. And being patient. And being kind. And being good. And being faithful. And being gentle. And being able to wait.
Paul says: "God helps you. His Spirit helps you. He lives in your heart. And He grows beautiful things there. Like fruit on a tree."
What Does This Mean?
Do you know what fruit is? An apple on a tree. A pear. A grape. Fruit does not just come. First there is a little bud. Then a flower. Then, very slowly, an apple.
That is how it goes in your heart too. God's Spirit is like sunshine. And water. He makes beautiful things grow in you. Love. Joy. Peace. Being kind.
You do not have to do it all by yourself. God helps.
The Common Thread
Jesus loves you very much. So much that He came to earth. So much that He made you free. Like a little bird out of a cage.
And now Jesus sends His Spirit. To live in your heart. God is very close. Closer than your mommy. Closer than your daddy. He is with you, always.
And He whispers: "I love you. Now you may love too."
For You
Do you sometimes get angry? Really angry, with red cheeks? That happens. To everyone.
Then you may say: "Jesus, help me." And you may take a deep breath. In. And out. And try again. Try to be kind. Try to share.
You do not have to do it alone. Jesus helps. Every day, a little bit more. Like an apple that grows slowly.
And do you know what is nice? You may enjoy it too. Playing outside. A hug. A cookie. A song. That is joy. That is fruit of the Spirit. God gives that.
Talk About It
Which fruit of the Spirit do you think is the most beautiful? Love, or joy, or peace, or being kind?
When is it hard for you to be kind? What can you do then?
Praying Together
Dear Jesus, thank You that I am free. Thank You that You live in my heart. Please help me to be kind. And to love. Just like You. Amen.
Questions about Galatians 5
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Galatians 5 about?
What does Galatians 5 say?
What does Galatians 5 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Galatians 5?
Why is Galatians 5 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Freedom was never handed to you so you could finally be left alone. Paul says it plainly: "through love be servants to one another." Christ unlocked the door, then handed you a towel. Ask who is near enough today for your freedom to serve. If your liberty only ever circles back to you, something has quietly gone wrong.
I wish that those who disturb you would cut themselves off." Paul isn't being polite here. Someone was quietly tying his friends back into chains, and it made him furious. Love does that. If nothing ever makes you angry on behalf of the people you love, ask whether you love them, or just like them from a safe distance.
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won't fulfill the lust of the flesh."
Notice Paul doesn't say fight the flesh harder. He says walk. Step by step, with Someone. The battle isn't won by clenching your fists against every craving; it's won by taking the next quiet step beside the Spirit. What you feed grows. What you walk with, shapes you.
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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