Gentleness

Take your crew to a petting zoo

Physical activity

At the petting zoo, observe how animals are more relaxed when they are handled gently.

Goal: Practice hands-on gentleness.

A great way to practice gentleness is to visit a petting zoo or a pet store where you can practice “hands on” gentleness. Prior to touching the animals, explain that animals are like people in that they don’t like to be around people who are loud, aggressive or mean. Ask your children to observe the way animals respond when they are handled gently. Refer to Proverbs 12:10 (below) and explain that every animal needs to be treated with gentleness.

Questions for discussion
  • Did the animals like you?
  • Did any of them seem scared?
  • Why do you think that the ________ enjoyed being petted?
  • What did the fur feel like?
  • Which fruit of the Spirit does soft fur remind you of?
Relevant Scripture

Proverbs 12:10 “A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”

Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”