Nurturing the Fruit of the Spirit Amidst Children’s Conflicts

As I write this, I am reflecting on this morning’s conflict between my two boys and how I should have been nurturing the Fruit of the Spirit.  We were playing a board game before school.  My boys are early risers, so we usually have a game or two before they go to school in the morning. 

One of them moved their brother’s marker instead of letting him move it himself.  That started the attitude for the rest of the game. 

As parents, caregivers, or educators, one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of our roles is navigating children’s conflicts. Whether it’s sibling rivalry at home or disagreements among classmates, these moments offer valuable opportunities to teach and model virtues that align with the Fruit of the Spirit. Needless to say I did not use the opportunity to teach the Fruit of the Spirit like I should have.

Let’s explore how practicing love, patience, kindness, and other fruits can transform conflicts into opportunities for growth and harmony.

Love

When children engage in conflicts, it’s crucial to approach the situation with love. Love involves listening with empathy, understanding each child’s perspective, and fostering a sense of connection and mutual respect. By showing love, we create a safe environment where conflicts can be resolved peacefully.

Patience

Patience plays a vital role in helping children navigate conflicts effectively. It allows us to step back, assess the situation calmly, and provide guidance without rushing to judgment or reactions. Teaching children the value of patience promotes emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills.

Kindness

Encouraging kindness and empathy helps children develop compassion and consideration for others’ feelings. When conflicts arise, emphasizing kindness in words and actions promotes peaceful communication, problem-solving, and building positive relationships.

Goodness

Modeling goodness and integrity reinforces the importance of honesty, fairness, and ethical behavior in resolving conflicts. Children learn that maintaining integrity and doing what is right contributes to trust, cooperation, and healthy interactions with others.

Faithfulness

Faithfulness involves commitment and perseverance in working through conflicts to find resolutions that honor everyone involved. Teaching children the value of staying true to their efforts in resolving disagreements fosters resilience, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills.

Gentleness

Approaching conflicts with gentleness promotes open communication, active listening, and respectful dialogue. Encouraging children to express themselves calmly and considerately leads to constructive problem-solving and strengthens relationships.

Self-Control

Self-control is key to managing emotions and behaviors during conflicts. Helping children develop self-control empowers them to respond thoughtfully, use appropriate language, and seek peaceful solutions rather than escalating tensions.

Conflicts among children present opportunities to teach and model virtues aligned with the Fruit of the Spirit. By practicing love, patience, kindness, and other virtues, we nurture a culture of understanding, respect, and harmony. Introducing engaging activities reinforces these teachings, empowering children to navigate conflicts positively and cultivate meaningful relationships built on mutual respect and empathy.

I am hoping the next time conflict arises with my boys, while playing a game, I can nurture the Fruit of the Spirit better.