Living Translation: Righteousness – Matthew 5:6

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied and fulfilled."

Fictional Narrative Writing Prompt:

Title: The Quest for Righteousness

Prompt:

In a world where moral ambiguities blur the lines of right and wrong, five friends—Jasmine, Lisa, Bruce, Charlie, and Shawn—find themselves standing at a crossroads. Each is faced with personal dilemmas that challenge their integrity and desire for justice.

Directions:

  1. Character Development:

    • Start by introducing each character. What are their backgrounds, beliefs, and motivations?

    • How do their personal struggles relate to the concept of righteousness?

  2. Setting the Scene:

    • Establish the world they inhabit. Is it a dystopian future, a small town, or a bustling city?

    • Consider the social, political, or environmental issues they face that heighten the sense of moral urgency.

  3. Inciting Incident:

    • Create a catalyst that forces the friends to confront their values. This could be a personal crisis, an injustice they witness, or a decision that must be made.

  4. Conflict:

    • Develop internal conflicts within each character as they grapple with their choices. How does their desire for righteousness clash with the societal norms around them?

    • Introduce external conflicts—perhaps an antagonist or a system that embodies the opposite of righteousness.

  5. Journey:

    • Illustrate their journey towards understanding what righteousness means to them. What sacrifices must they make? What revelations do they encounter?

    • Include moments of doubt and temptation that test their resolve.

  6. Climax:

    • Build tension toward a key moment where the friends must collectively act on their beliefs about righteousness. What challenges do they face? Who stands in their way?

  7. Resolution:

    • Conclude by showcasing the outcomes of their choices. How have their experiences shaped their understanding of righteousness?

    • Reflect on whether their hunger and thirst for righteousness were satisfied, and what you want the reader to take away from their journey.

  8. Theme Exploration:

    • Weave in themes of justice, integrity, and community. How does the search for righteousness impact not just the individual, but their friendships and society as a whole?

Final Note:
Encourage writers to let their characters learn and evolve through their experiences, illustrating that the pursuit of righteousness is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.