Shine at School
A new school year is a new chance to shine. A family devotional on Matthew 5:16 about being a light at school and everywhere.
This week's verse
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Read together
Shine at school
New backpacks, new teachers, new classrooms. The first weeks of school are full of new things, and maybe a few butterflies too.
Jesus told His friends that they are like a light. Think about a flashlight in a dark room. It doesn't have to be big to make a difference. Even a tiny light helps everyone see!
You can shine for Jesus at school in simple ways: sitting with someone who's alone at lunch, saying thank you to your teacher, telling the truth even when it's hard, or including a new kid at recess. When we're kind like Jesus, people notice, and it points them to God.
You don't have to be the loudest or the smartest kid in class to shine. You just have to let God's love show through you, one small choice at a time.
Talk about it
Questions for your family
1
What's one thing that feels exciting about this school year? What feels a little scary?
2
Who in your class or at your school might need someone to be kind to them this week?
3
Parents: share a time someone's kindness showed you what Jesus is like.
This week
Keep it going
Pray together
Pray for each person's school or work by name. Ask God to help you notice someone who needs a friend, and to give you courage to be kind.
Light-up challenge
Each day, try one "shine" moment. At dinner, share what you did. Memorize Matthew 5:16 together by Sunday!
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked ESV are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
