LITMIR.BIZ

      How far would you go to stand up for what is right? Would you go against the opinions of strangers, your friends, even your family? What if you knew they weren’t being honest, just, and fair? There is a phenomenon called the bystander effect, which states that people are less likely to offer help and support to those in need when others are present. Some believe this is because everyone who’s present assumes the same thing: that someone else will get involved and lend a helping hand. In bullying situations, there is a fear that reaching out will result in becoming the target. Whatever the reason, the bystander effect makes it difficult for people to stand up for justice in the presence of strangers.

      It can be even more daunting when we are asked to stand our ground against friends and family. Have you ever sat quietly as your friends or family members had conversations filled with gossip or wrong information? Maybe you were present when a friend picked on someone else or was engaged in an activity that was morally wrong. Seeking the approval of people we care about is natural, but our first obligation is to God and His commands. In today’s lesson, we will learn about King Saul, his son Jonathan, and David. When jealousy filled the king’s heart and he threatened the life of God’s chosen warrior, one man stood against the spirit of evil to spread peace and protect his closest friend.

       The Conflict of King Saul

      When David stepped onto the battlefield against the giant Goliath, he was guided by God. His victory against the Philistine was a public event that glorified God but also shined favor down on the humble boy with a sling who did God’s will. Initially, King Saul was pleased with David for his victory over Goliath, and he praised the young man. But that joy soon turned to jealousy as King Saul began to see that David was gaining attention because of his other battlefield heroics against the Philistines. The jealousy grew into hatred, and soon King Saul wanted David to be killed.

Describe a time when you were afraid to stand up for what was right.

Work with your youth group to list some ways to stand against injustice.