I Met a Sweet Soul: A Lesson in Righteousness and the Word of God By Matthew Simpa 

For as long as I can remember, it has been rare to encounter individuals who truly restore my faith in humanity. But today, I met one such person—a young lady whose integrity and kindness stood out in a world often dominated by self-interest. A Rare Act of Integrity I walked into an Airtel shop in Iyana Mortuary, Abeokuta, to purchase a new SIM card for my MiFi. The young lady attending to me surprised me with her honesty. Instead of asking for payment upfront—a common practice—she first ensured I was eligible for the SIM card and completed the registration process before accepting payment. Her actions were a refreshing departure from the norm, where transactions often prioritize profit over people. A Heart for Righteousness Curious about the values that guided her, I asked if she was a Christian or a Muslim. She identified as a Christian and mentioned she attended a White Garment church, part of the Cherubim and Seraphim movement. Impressed by her demeanor, I remarked that she was a rare breed—a Nigerian whose righteousness stood out. I asked if she knew the story of Cornelius from the Bible. While she was familiar with the name, she didn’t know the details. This opened the door for a deeper conversation about righteousness and the necessity of being born again. Beyond Good Deeds: The Need for Spiritual Renewal Cornelius, as described in Acts 10, was a devout and generous man, revered even by the Jews. Yet, despite his good works, he needed to hear the gospel and experience spiritual rebirth through faith in Jesus Christ. His story illustrates a profound truth: doing good is commendable, but it is not enough. True righteousness begins with a transformed heart, rooted in a relationship with God. Many churchgoers today, like the young lady I met, may lack a deep understanding of Scripture. They attend services, participate in rituals, and live morally upright lives, yet miss the essence of Christianity—a life anchored in the Word of God. The Power of God’s Word The Bible is not merely a book of rules or stories; it is the living Word of God, a sword for spiritual battles (Ephesians 6:17). Jeremiah 15:16 captures its transformative power: "Your words were found, and I ate them; and Your words were to me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart, for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts." Studying Scripture is essential because: 1. It Reveals God’s Will: The Word guides us into truth and aligns our lives with God’s purpose. 2. It Equips Us for Life’s Challenges: Like a sword, it empowers us to overcome temptation, doubt, and adversity. 3. It Deepens Our Faith: Regular immersion in Scripture fosters spiritual growth and intimacy with God. A Call to Dive Deeper The young lady’s kindness was a bright light, but her limited knowledge of the Bible reminded me of a greater need—for believers to hunger for God’s Word. Good deeds are vital, but they must flow from a heart nourished by Scripture. Let us strive to be like Cornelius—righteous in action but also fervent in seeking God’s truth. And like Jeremiah, may we find joy and strength in devouring His Word, for it is the foundation of a life that truly honors Him. Reflection: Are we content with surface-level faith, or are we committed to digging deeper into the Word that gives life? The answer makes all the difference.