Basic 5 · Religious and Moral Education · God the Creator
Qualities of God: Justice, Faithfulness and Truthfulness
In this topic you will learn more qualities of God, including justice, faithfulness, truthfulness and generosity, and how humans should show them.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Explain justice, faithfulness, truthfulness and generosity
- Give religious teachings on each quality
- Apply these qualities at home and in school
What you already know
- Love, mercy and patience
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- God’s Creation & Attributes
- Sub-strand
- God the Creator
- Indicator
- B5.1.1.1.2 – State the qualities of God that humankind should demonstrate
Introduction
A good referee treats both teams fairly. A good friend keeps promises. Religions teach that God is perfectly fair and always keeps His word, and they call us to be like Him.
1. Justice
Justice means being fair and treating everyone equally, rewarding good and correcting wrong. One of Allah's names is Al-'Adl, the Just. The Bible says, "The Lord is a God of justice" (Isaiah 30:18). In Traditional Religion, people believe the Supreme Being and the ancestors punish wrongdoers and reward good people. A class prefect shows justice by reporting all offenders, not only those he dislikes.
2. Faithfulness
Faithfulness means being loyal and keeping promises. God keeps His promises to His people. In the Bible, God kept His promise to Abraham to make his descendants a great nation. Muslims believe Allah never breaks His promise (Qur'an 3:9). Traditional believers call God Tweduampɔn because He never fails those who depend on Him. We show faithfulness when we keep our word, remain loyal friends and do our duties without being reminded.
3. Truthfulness
Truthfulness means always saying what is true. God is truth and does not lie. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6). Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known as Al-Amin, the trustworthy, even before he became a prophet. Lying breaks trust and can harm others, while truth builds trust in families and communities.
4. Generosity
Generosity means giving freely to others. God gives sunshine, rain, food and life to all people. Christians give offerings and help the needy; Muslims give zakat (compulsory charity) and sadaqah (voluntary charity); traditional communities share food during festivals such as Homowo.
| Quality | Action at home or school |
|---|---|
| justice | treat everyone equally; do not take sides unfairly |
| faithfulness | keep promises; do your duties |
| truthfulness | own up to mistakes; do not cheat in exams |
| generosity | share food, books and time |
New words
- justice
- Fairness to everyone.
- faithfulness
- Loyalty and keeping promises.
- truthfulness
- Always telling the truth.
- generosity
- Giving freely to others.
- zakat
- Compulsory charity in Islam.
- Al-Amin
- The trustworthy; a title of Prophet Muhammad.
Summary
- God is just, faithful, truthful and generous.
- The three religions teach these qualities.
- We should be fair, keep promises and tell the truth.
- Generosity is shown through giving and sharing.
Class activity: Promise Chart
- Write three promises you will keep this week (e.g. finish homework, help at home).
- Tick each day you keep them.
- Report to the class at the end of the week.
You need: Bible, Qur’an, Printed Ghanaian moral-scenario cards, Manila quality-and-action cards
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Being fair to everyone is…
- A. justice
- B. greed
- C. pride
- D. laziness
Show answer
Answer: justiceIt means equal treatment.2. Prophet Muhammad was called Al-Amin, meaning…
- A. the trustworthy
- B. the strong
- C. the king
- D. the teacher
Show answer
Answer: the trustworthyHe was honest.3. Compulsory charity in Islam is called…
- A. zakat
- B. salat
- C. hajj
- D. sawm
Show answer
Answer: zakatOne of the Five Pillars.4. Cheating in exams shows truthfulness.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseIt is dishonest.5. Faithfulness means keeping promises.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueAnd being loyal.6. Giving freely to others is called ______.
Show answer
Answer: generosityLike God's gifts of rain and food.7. State two ways a prefect can show justice.
Show answer
Answer: Treat all pupils equally and report all offenders fairly.No favouritism.8. Why is truthfulness important in a community?
Show answer
Answer: It builds trust; people can depend on each other and avoid harm from lies.Trust holds communities together.
Homework
- Write a short story about a child who told the truth even though it was difficult.