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Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › The Church › Service

The question

I wonder what to refer to God with: "God", "Jesus", or the "Holy Spirit"? Also, I expect my Sunday school students (pre k-k) to use the name "Jesus" in their answers. However, they use "God".

The answer

God is the Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. So, if the students reply using the name "Jesus" instead of  "God", they are correct; because Jesus is God. "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:14). A sincere heart is more important than words or protocol. Children must learn the importance of developing a growing relationship with God which is achievable through  prayer, hymns, praises, service, almsgiving, etc. As a servant, it is your obligation to set higher, but attainable standards. It is to these children's benefit that you demonstrate a respectful way to address God. The informal way will come naturally; but the polite, humble, and reverent way has to be taught.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Related questions

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 1423 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.