Names of God: The Righteous God
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
Memory Verse
Be fair to the poor and to orphans. Defend the helpless and everyone in need. (CEV)
Sam and his friends were on the playground during recess. Another class of younger students played at the same time. Sam noticed that Tommy, his classmate, picked on some of the younger kids. It wasn’t the first time. Last week, Sam didn't do anything about it. He didn't want to make any trouble, but he knew what Tommy was doing wasn't right. He continued to see that the same bullying happened every day that week.
Sam talked to his friends about it, and they decided to speak up. Sam and his friend Jake went over to speak to Tommy while his other two friends talked to their teacher, Mrs. Michaels.
During the school assembly later that week, the principal announced the citizenship award for Mrs. Michaels’ class, but he did not call the boys by name. No one else was bothered by this it seemed, but Sam was. Why didn't the principal mention their names? After the assembly, Sam asked his teacher why the class was awarded but not the boys individually.
Mrs. Michaels asked, “Did you do the right thing because it was the right thing to do or because you wanted to receive an award?”
Sam answered that he did it because mistreating the younger kids was not right.
“Exactly!” Mrs. Michaels replied. “You did the right thing because it was the right thing to do. Sometimes our names are not mentioned, but it doesn't make our actions less valuable."
Sam knew his teacher was correct. On the way to the bus, the kids from the younger class came up and high-fived Sam and his friends. They thanked them for standing up for them. Sam turned to Jake and said, “You know, that was the best reward ever!”
Prayer
Dear God, you are gracious and compassionate. You are good to all. You are trustworthy in all your promises. You are righteous in all your ways and faithful in all you do. There is no other. Help me to do what is right because it is what you would want me to do. Let me always remember pleasing you is the greatest reward. Amen.Related Resources
Natasha Menifee
Natasha Menifee is an educator, writer and most importantly a child of God. She has taught in public schools for 12 years and holds two master's degrees from Georgetown College in Learning & Behavior Disorders and Teacher Leadership. Natasha also serves as the Christian Education Director at her church. She is the proud mother of two daughters. For more information about her, visit www.natashamenifee.com.