Fruit of the Spirit · Lesson 6
Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness
Acts 11:19-26; Acts 9:26-28; Acts 13:2, 43; Galatians 6:9-10 New Testament PrincipleGoodness
When the church in Antioch was growing, Barnabas was sent to help. He was glad to see God's grace there, and then he went looking for Saul and brought him to teach too. Later Saul, also called Paul, became the leader, and Barnabas was glad. Goodness is a fruit of the Spirit. God is good, and His Spirit makes us glad to do good to others and glad when God blesses them.
Goodness is a fruit of the Spirit. God is good, and His Spirit makes us glad to do good to others and to cheer when He blesses them.
- CreationGod made it
- FallWe broke it
- RedemptionJesus fixes it (this lesson)
- RestorationJesus makes it new
Memory verse
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.”
Galatians 6:10 BSB
Christ Connection · Picture
Barnabas went looking for Saul and brought him in. Earlier, when everyone was afraid of Saul, Barnabas stood up for him (Acts 9:27). That is a small picture of Jesus, the truly good One (Mark 10:18). Jesus "came to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10). He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11), and He speaks up for us before the Father (1 John 2:1).
Luke 19:10; John 10:11; 1 John 2:1; Mark 10:18
The Big Story · Redemption
The good news of Jesus spread from Jerusalem to the nations, and God used ordinary people like Barnabas to welcome everyone into His family.
Teacher Guide
This version includes:
- Background and context for the passage
- Hidden in Plain Sight: the detail most people miss
- The Christ Connection: how this story points to Jesus
- A 50-minute class plan and prep checklist
- Object lesson: Who goes first?
- Theo’s Workshop (build challenge): Barnabas bridges
- A skit to act out the story
- Review game: Pass the penny
- Pronunciation help, tips for every age, song ideas and a note for parents
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
Preschool (ages 3–5)
God is good, so I do good.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 4-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 3 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Bring a friend, Color the sharing friends
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: with friends, at home
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
Free preview · Kindergarten – 2nd grade
Barnabas helped the new believers in Antioch, then went to find Saul and bring him to teach too. Later Saul, called Paul, became the leader, and Barnabas was glad. Goodness is a fruit of the Spirit. God's Spirit helps us do good to others and be happy when good things happen to them.
Memory verse
“As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone.”
Adapted from Galatians 6:10
Start here
Show the two name cards, BARNABAS AND SAUL and PAUL AND BARNABAS. Ask, "What's different?" Say, "Let's find out why these names switched places!"
Bible story 6 min
Lots of people in a big city began to love Jesus. The church sent a man named Barnabas to help. He saw God's love all around. He was so glad!
Barnabas told them, "Keep following Jesus with all your heart!" More people came to Jesus. The Bible says Barnabas was "a good man."
Barnabas thought, "We need more help. I know! Saul!" Saul used to hurt Jesus' friends. Then he met Jesus. He changed! Barnabas went a long way to find Saul. He brought him back.
The rest of the story, discussion questions, songs, Live It and prayer are for members.
Try an activity
Bring them in 8 min
- One child is Barnabas. Others sit spread out around the room. Barnabas gently takes someone's hand and says, "Come help!" Those two find another friend, and so on, until everyone is linked. Cheer for each new friend.
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
3rd – 4th grade
Barnabas saw God's grace in Antioch, did good to the new believers, went looking for Saul and brought him to teach. When Paul later took the lead, Barnabas was glad. Goodness is a fruit of the Spirit. It means actively doing good to others and being genuinely happy when God blesses them, even more than He blesses us.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 8-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: A good man, Cheer cards
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at school, with friends, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
5th – 6th grade
Barnabas, called "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith," rejoiced at God's grace in Antioch, went hunting for Saul when no one else would, and later let Paul take the lead without complaint. Goodness is a fruit of the Spirit. It is active, generous goodness that does good on purpose and wants others to succeed, even beyond us.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 10-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: The good man, My Barnabas plan
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at school, online and on screens, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in