Women's Bible Study~ The Virtuous Life ~ Week 3 Justice

Week 3 – Part 1- The Virtue of Justice~

Welcome to week 3, the virtue of Justice

When I think about Joseph. I realized that I had never realized the depth of his virtue. He exemplified justice. He was a man of integrity. He was fair,  honest, upright, and just. He looked past his circumstances to discover God’s will.

For the sake of this study I chose portions of his life to focus on, but I encourage you to take some time if you can, to read his story. It’s in Genesis chapter 37. Read through to chapter 45. I guarantee that you’ll be blessed..

He was dealt the most horrific hand by his brothers who sold him into slavery, but despite their effort to put him down, God blessed Joseph. He prospered in the land of Egypt and was made an overseer of Potiphar’s house. His integrity and loyalty however, was a snare to him. Because of it, he lost his job and was sent to prison.

Any one of us might have been bitter considering those circumstances, but Joseph remained grateful and faithful to God, Who raised him up yet again.

As you read, you’ll see how Joseph had compassion for his brothers that reflected the kindness of God Who offers salvation to a world that crucified Him.

Justice is a cardinal virtue. If we’re not honest, true and just, we fail to be a light in this world. It’s easy to be holy and just when people are kind and considerate, but God calls us to be holy as He is holy, which means we offer grace to both the just and the unjust.

Because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:16

The minute we take our eyes off of the Lord we lose our perspective, and our gauge for righteous living. Joseph kept his eyes on the Lord, which kept him grounded in faith.

In chapter 43 Joseph enters his chamber to cry. Here we see that integrity doesn’t come easy. It breaks us down to a point and place where the Master can build us back up.

 Questions

1. What steps did Joseph take to resist temptation? What steps could Mrs. P have taken to avoid trouble and temptation?

2.What do verses 7 & 8 teach you about the providence of God? What does Joseph teach you about forgiveness?

3. What affects did David's actions have on Saul? What can we learn from this?

SCRIPTURES TO READ

Read Genesis 39 -Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife

Read Genesis 45 -Joseph is Faithful and Just

Read 1 Samuel 24 -David spares Saul’s life.