Spiritual Values

1The day before the exam

Byiringiro is worried about tomorrow's exam. His mother says, "You have studied well. Now pray, give thanks for what you have learned, and be patient. Worrying will not help you, but trusting God will give you peace."

2What are spiritual values?

Spiritual values are about our relationship with God. They include faith (trusting God), prayer, gratitude (being thankful), patience and humility (not being proud).

3Prayer and thankfulness

Christian teaching

"Always rejoice. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus towards you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)

"Without ceasing" means without stopping: talking to God often, all through the day.

"In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6)

"Anxious" means worried, and a "petition" is a request. Instead of worrying, pray and give thanks.

Islamic teaching

"Therefore remember Me, I will remember you. Give thanks to Me, and reject not Me." (Qur'an 2:152)

"O ye who believe! Seek help in steadfastness and prayer. Lo! Allah is with the steadfast." (Qur'an 2:153)

"Steadfastness" means being patient and not giving up. "Lo!" means "Look!" or "Truly!".

4Living spiritual values

• Faith: trust God in good times and hard times.
• Prayer: talk to God every day, not only when you need something.
• Gratitude: say thank you to God and to people for food, family, school and health.
• Patience: when things are hard, keep going and do not give up.
• Humility: do not boast; remember that your gifts come from God.

Both faiths teach that these values bring peace to the heart and make us kinder to others.

Try it yourself