Integrity, Strength, and Bravery

Biblical Lessons

Integrity, Strength, and Bravery

Here are some Bible stories and lessons that can help teach a child about integrity, strength,
and bravery:

1. Moses - The Leader Prophet

Role:

Moses was not just any prophet; he was a leader too! He helped God’s people
escape from Egypt where they were slaves.

Message:

God gave Moses rules called the Ten Commandments to teach people how to
live good lives.

Context:

Imagine being in a big desert with lots of sand! That’s where Moses led the people
after they left Egypt.

Scripture Memory Verse:

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your
soul and with all your strength.” – Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV)

Activity:

Draw Moses holding the big stone tablets with the Ten Commandments.

2. Samuel - The Anointing Prophet

Role:

Samuel was like a wise teacher and a special messenger from God. He chose and
helped the first kings of Israel.

Message:

Samuel told everyone it was time for a king, and he picked Saul first, then David!

Context:

Samuel lived when Israel was changing from being led by judges to having kings.

Scripture Memory Verse:

“The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People
look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7b (NIV)

Activity:

Make a crown and write “King David” on it to remember Samuel’s choice.

3. Elijah - The Miracle Worker

Role:

Elijah was a brave prophet who showed everyone that God was the real God, not
Baal.

Message:

He did cool miracles like making fire come from the sky to prove God’s power!

Context:

Elijah lived when many people forgot about God and worshipped a false god
named Baal.

Scripture Memory Verse:

“Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would
not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.” – James 5:17 (NIV)

Activity:

Create a scene with paper where Elijah calls down fire from the sky.

4. Elisha - The Kind Prophet

Role:

Elisha took over after Elijah and did lots of kind things to help people.

Message:

He healed people, made food last longer, and even helped a poor lady with lots
of oil!

Context:

Elisha was around when kings were not always good, but he showed God’s
kindness.

Scripture Memory Verse:

“Elisha prayed, ‘O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.’ Then
the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots
of fire all around Elisha.” – 2 Kings 6:17 (NIV)

Activity:

Draw Elisha helping the lady with her oil jars.

5. Isaiah - The Hopeful Prophet

Role:

Isaiah had big dreams from God about the future, including a special baby who would
save everyone.

Message:

He talked about peace, a new king, and how God would make everything right
again.

Context:

Isaiah was around when Israel was in trouble, but he gave them hope for the
future.

Scripture Memory Verse:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the
government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Activity:

Color a picture of a peaceful lion and lamb lying down together, like Isaiah’s vision.

6. Jeremiah - The Weeping Prophet

Role:

Jeremiah was very sad because people were not listening to God, but he still loved
them.

Message:

He warned that bad things would happen if they didn’t change, but he also said
God would forgive them.

Context:

Jeremiah lived when Jerusalem was going to be destroyed, but he kept hope
alive.

Scripture Memory Verse:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans
to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
(NIV)

Activity:

Make a tear drop craft to show how Jeremiah felt sad but hopeful.

7. Ezekiel - The Visionary Prophet

Role:

Ezekiel saw amazing pictures from God, like bones coming to life!

Message:

He told the people that even when things seemed dead, God could bring life
back.

Context:

Ezekiel was with the people when they were far from home in Babylon.

Scripture Memory Verse:

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will
remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” – Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)

Activity:

Use cotton swabs to make a skeleton and then color it to show life coming back, like
Ezekiel’s vision.

8. Daniel - The Dream Interpreter

Role:

Daniel was smart and could understand dreams from God, even in a strange land.

Message:

He showed that God is in charge, no matter where we are or who rules us.

Context:

Daniel lived in Babylon after being taken from his home, but he stayed true to
God.

Scripture Memory Verse:

“Daniel replied, ‘No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can
explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals
mysteries.'” – Daniel 2:27-28a (NIV)

Activity:

Draw Daniel in the lion’s den, showing how God protected him.

9. Hosea - The Loving Prophet

Role:

Hosea was told by God to love his wife who didn’t love him back, showing God’s love
for us.

Message:

Even when we make mistakes, God still loves us and wants us back.

Context:

Hosea lived in a time when Israel was not being faithful to God.

Scripture Memory Verse:

“Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he
will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.” – Hosea 6:1 (NIV)

Activity:

Make a heart craft to show God’s love that never gives up.

10. Amos - The Fair Prophet

Role:

Amos was a shepherd who spoke up for fairness and kindness.

Message:

He said we should treat everyone nicely, especially those who need help.

Context:

Amos lived when some people were rich and forgot about the poor.

Scripture Memory Verse:

“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a
never-failing stream!” – Amos 5:24 (NIV)

Activity:

Create a simple balance scale with paper to show fairness.

11. Micah - The Peaceful Prophet

Role:

Micah told people about a special leader coming from Bethlehem who would bring
peace.

Message:

He said God wants us to do what’s right, love kindness, and walk humbly with
Him.

Context:

Micah’s time was tough, but he talked about peace and a bright future.

Scripture Memory Verse:

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the
LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” –
Micah 6:8 (NIV)

Activity:

Draw a small town labeled Bethlehem with a star above it.

12. Malachi - The Last Prophet

Role:

Malachi was the last prophet before a long quiet time, but he gave a big promise.

Message:

He said someone like Elijah would come before Jesus, telling us to get ready!

Context:

Malachi was around after the people came back from Babylon, reminding them to
love God.

Scripture Memory Verse:

“But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will
rise with healing in its rays.” – Malachi 4:2a (NIV)

Activity:

Make a scroll with a promise written on it, like Malachi’s.

13. Nehemiah - The Builder Prophet

Role:

Nehemiah wasn’t a prophet like the others, but he was very important because he
helped rebuild Jerusalem’s walls!

Message:

He showed us how to work together and pray when we face big challenges.

Context:

After many people came back from Babylon, Jerusalem was in ruins. Nehemiah
helped fix it up!

Scripture Memory Verse:

“The joy of the LORD is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10b (NIV)

Activity:

Build a small model of a wall with blocks or paper to remember Nehemiah’s work.

14. Jonah - The Reluctant Prophet

Role:

Jonah was a prophet who tried to run away from God’s mission but ended up inside a
big fish!

Message:

Jonah learned that God’s love is for everyone, and we should share it, even with
people we don’t like.

Context:

God wanted Jonah to go to Nineveh to warn them, but Jonah didn’t want to
because they were not nice people.

Scripture Memory Verse:

“But the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah
was inside the fish three days and three nights.” – Jonah 1:17 (NIV)

Activity:

Make a fish craft with Jonah inside using paper or felt.

15. Hezekiah - The Faithful King

Role:

Hezekiah was a king, not a prophet, but he listened to the prophets and trusted in
God.

Message:

He showed us how important it is to pray and trust God, even when things seem
scary.

Context:

Hezekiah ruled Judah when it was under threat, but he prayed to God, and God
saved them!

Scripture Memory Verse:

“This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was
good and right and faithful before the LORD his God.” – 2 Chronicles 31:20 (NIV)

Activity:

Draw a picture of Hezekiah praying to God with an angel protecting the city.

Integrity:

Bible Story 1: Daniel in the Lion's Den (Daniel 6)

Summary:

Daniel’s refusal to stop praying to God, even when it was illegal, teaches about standing firm in one’s beliefs and integrity, even in the face of danger.

Story:

Daniel loved God and prayed to Him every day. Some mean people made a rule that said no one could pray to God, only to the king. Daniel didn’t listen because he knew praying to God was right. The king was mad and put Daniel in a cave with hungry lions. But God kept Daniel safe all night, and the lions didn’t hurt him! The king saw Daniel’s honesty and let him go.

Scripture

Daniel 6:22 (NIV) – “My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight.”

Memory Verse:

Proverbs 10:9 (NIV) – “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”

Lesson:

Always do what is right, even when it’s hard or no one is watching

Bible Story 2: Joseph and His Brothers (Genesis 37, 39-50)

Summary:

Joseph’s story of forgiveness and honesty, despite being wronged by his brothers, highlights integrity and the strength of character.

Story:

Joseph’s brothers were jealous of his colorful coat and sold him far away. Joseph worked hard and stayed honest, even when things were tough. Later, he became a big helper to a king and saved lots of people from being hungry. When he saw his brothers again, he forgave them instead of being mean. His honesty made everyone trust him.

Scripture

Genesis 50:20 (NIV) – “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Memory Verse:

Proverbs 11:3 (NIV) – “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”

Lesson:

Honesty and integrity lead to trust and respect from others.

Strength

Bible Story 3: Samson (Judges 13-16)

Summary:

While Samson’s story includes his downfall due to poor choices, his physical strength and the moments of his faith in God can be highlighted.

Story:

Samson was super strong because God helped him. He could push down big pillars and fight lions with his hands! One time, bad guys tied him up, but he prayed, and God gave him strength to break free. Samson learned his strength was a gift from God, not just his muscles.

Scripture

Judges 16:28 (NIV) – “Then Samson prayed to the Lord, ‘Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more…’”

Memory Verse:

Philippians 4:13 (NIV) – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Lesson:

True strength comes from faith in God, but we should use it wisely.

Bible Story 4: Nehemiah Rebuilding the Wall (Nehemiah 1-6)

Summary:

Nehemiah’s leadership in rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall under threat shows physical and spiritual strength

Story:

Nehemiah saw his city’s broken wall and wanted to fix it. Bad guys tried to stop him, saying, “You’re not strong enough!” Nehemiah prayed to God for help, and with his friends, he built the wall tall and strong. God gave him the power to keep going, even when it was hard.

Scripture

Nehemiah 6:9 (NIV) – “They were all trying to frighten us… But I prayed, ‘Now strengthen my hands.’”

Memory Verse:

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles…”

Lesson:

With God’s help, we can overcome great obstacles.

Bravery

Bible Story 5: David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17)

Summary:

David’s courage to face Goliath with just a sling and his faith teaches about bravery against overwhelming odds.

Story:

A huge giant named Goliath scared everyone. Little David said, “I’ll fight him!” He took his sling and some stones, trusting God to help him. With one stone—zing!—he hit Goliath, and the giant fell down. David was brave because he knew God was with him.

Scripture

1 Samuel 17:45 (NIV) – “David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty…’”

Memory Verse:

Joshua 1:9 (NIV) – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Lesson:

Courage comes from trusting in God, even when things look scary.

Bible Story 6: Esther Saves Her People (Book of Esther)

Summary:

Esther’s bravery in approaching the king uninvited to save her people from genocide shows courage in speaking up for what is right.

Story:

Esther was a queen, and her people were in danger. She had to talk to the king, but it was risky—if he got mad, she could get in big trouble! Esther prayed and went anyway. The king listened, and she saved her people. She was brave because she cared about others

Scripture

Esther 4:14 (NIV) – “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Memory Verse:

Psalm 27:1 (NIV) – “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”

Lesson:

Sometimes bravery means standing up for others, even when you’re afraid.

Application

Discussion Questions:

- Why didn’t Daniel stop praying, even with the lions? - How did Samson and Nehemiah get strong? - What made David and Esther so brave?

Activity:

Help the children learn one memory verse from each section by saying it together with fun motions (e.g., roar like a lion for Daniel, flex muscles for Samson, swing an arm for David).

Prayer:

Thank God for helping us be honest, strong, and brave, and ask Him to be with us every day.