Community of Integrity - Better Together Devotional by Stacy A. Davis

Family Fun Icebreaker: Have you been part of a service project that helped others? What happened?

Topic Question: How are we Better Together?

Today’s Big Idea: Community of Integrity

God’s own character is full of integrity, or good moral character. He desires for His community to point others to Jesus, reflecting His integrity. God designed His community to serve in different ways but with a similar heart. He wants your speech and attitude to reflect His good moral character, causing others to want to know about Jesus. God focuses on the good things in life, and He wants you to focus on those things as well. He wants you to be part of a community that desires integrity. It is easy to get caught up with gossip, or the bad and negative things that happen, and that can alter your focus of conversations or thoughts. Scripture shares that if you turn to Christ, His Holy Spirit will give you the strength to help you focus on the good things in life, to speak of and think of, and you will find His peace. He wants you to be part of a community of people who encourage others to focus on the good and honorable things in life.

Talk with God: Read the scriptures aloud.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV)

I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

Walk with God: Read aloud and discuss.

You have an opportunity when you are among your friends to encourage others to think and say honorable things; every opportunity to speak is a choice. You can encourage the honorable, just, pure, true, lovely, and commendable conversations. You can notice actions worthy of praise and practice speaking of these actions. If you choose to act the way God desires for you to act, there is a promise–the peace of God will be with you.

Discuss with your family: Have you ever gossiped about or insulted someone? When you are in a group of friends, are you the person that encourages honorable conversations? How would a community that encourages right thoughts and conversation be helpful for others in our world?

Prayer suggestion: Pray for God to help you speak the honorable things of God.