At Jabneh Christian Academy, we believe that character education is just as important as academics. That’s why each week, we take time to highlight a core value that helps shape our icons into people of purpose. This week, our theme for devotion is:

Integrity Leads to Trust

When children learn to live with integrity, they are choosing to be honest, dependable, and upright—no matter who’s watching.  The reward is Trust. Trust in friendships, trust in families, and trust from those around them.

We’re anchoring this week’s focus with the story of Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife from Genesis 39:1–23. Joseph did the right thing, even when it cost him something. His integrity, even when falsely accused and imprisoned, eventually led to great favour. What a powerful reminder for our children—and for us as adults too!

We’re also memorising Proverbs 22:1:
“A good name is more desirable than great riches.”
This verse reminds our icons that who they are is more valuable than anything they could own.

 When a Child Has Broken Trust

Children are still learning. Mistakes will happen. However, those mistakes can become opportunities for growth when handled with grace and wisdom.

 1. Have Honest Conversations

Help your child understand how their actions affect trust:
“When you told a lie, it made it hard for me to believe you next time.”

 2. Model Accountability

Let your child see you take responsibility too:
“I forgot something I promised, and I’m sorry. I’ll do better next time.”

 3. Teach Them How to Make It Right

Give them a chance to fix what was broken. Whether it’s an apology or a kind act, teach them that restoration matters.

 4. Give Opportunities to Rebuild

Offer small chances for them to regain trust:
“I’m trusting you to clean up your space while I step away.”

 5. Praise Progress, Not Perfection

Celebrate moments of integrity:
“You told the truth even when it was hard—that was brave and honest.”

When a Child Has Been Hurt and Needs to Rebuild Trust

Sometimes, our icons may be on the receiving end of broken trust. As caregivers and teachers, we must help them process that pain in a healthy way.

 1. Listen and Acknowledge Their Feelings

Sometimes all they need to hear is:
“I’m so sorry that happened. Your feelings are important.”

 2. Teach Healthy Boundaries

Let them know it’s okay to protect their hearts and to rebuild trust slowly.

 3. Encourage Expression

Some children open up better through drawing, storytelling, or pretend play. Create those outlets at home.

4. Reflect on Joseph’s Story

Joseph forgave his brothers and maintained his integrity in a tough situation. This story shows that even in pain, we can hold on to what’s right.

 5. Encourage Forgiveness at Their Pace

Remind them that forgiveness is more about freeing their own hearts than excusing the wrong.

 Simple Tools to Use at Home

• Trust Jar: Place a marble in a jar each time your child displays integrity. Watch their “trust level” grow!
• Story Chats: After reading a story (like Joseph’s), ask: “What choice did he make? What would you have done?”
• Role-Play Repair: Practice apologizing and rebuilding trust through fun, pretend situations.

Weekly Wisdom to Hold On To

📖 “A good name is more desirable than great riches.” – Proverbs 22:1
📖 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” – Luke 16:10
📖 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32

A Word of Encouragement to You, Resilient Parents

Rebuilding trust is a process—one that takes time, love, and intentionality. With God’s help, our children can learn that integrity always pays off. Through our united effort between school and home, they will see that even when trust is broken, it can be restored.

Let’s continue to nurture the seeds of truth, character, and grace in our icons. We’re honoured to walk this journey with you.

With love and partnership,
The Jabneh Christian Academy Family