Courage

Courage is a virtue frequently extolled in the Bible, often associated with faith and trust in God. It is the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, or pain without fear. Biblical courage is not merely human bravery but is deeply rooted in the confidence that God is sovereign and faithful.

One of the most prominent examples of courage in the Bible is found in the account of Joshua. After the death of Moses, God commands Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. In Joshua 1:9 , God encourages him, saying, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." This divine assurance underscores that true courage is grounded in the presence and promises of God.

David, the shepherd boy who became king, also exemplifies courage. In 1 Samuel 17, David confronts Goliath, the Philistine giant, with unwavering faith. He declares in 1 Samuel 17:45 , "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." David's courage is not in his own strength but in the power and name of the Lord.

The New Testament continues this theme, with the apostles demonstrating courage in the face of persecution. In Acts 4:13 , the boldness of Peter and John is noted: "When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus." Their courage was a testament to their relationship with Christ and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Compassion

Compassion is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting God's character and His expectations for His people. It is the sympathetic consciousness of others' distress, coupled with a desire to alleviate it. Compassion is not merely an emotion but an active response to the needs of others.

The Old Testament frequently describes God as compassionate. In Exodus 34:6 , God reveals Himself to Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." This self-revelation highlights compassion as an integral aspect of God's nature.

The life and ministry of Jesus Christ provide the ultimate example of compassion. In Matthew 9:36 , it is written, "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Jesus' compassion led Him to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and teach the lost.

The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 illustrates the call to compassion. Jesus uses this account to define what it means to love one's neighbor, emphasizing that true compassion transcends social and ethnic boundaries. The Samaritan's actions demonstrate that compassion involves personal sacrifice and a willingness to act.

The apostle Paul encourages believers to embody compassion in their lives. In Colossians 3:12 , he writes, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." This exhortation reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, calling Christians to reflect God's compassion in their interactions with others.

In summary, courage and compassion are intertwined virtues in the biblical narrative, both rooted in the character of God and exemplified in the lives of His people. They are essential qualities for living a life that honors God and serves others.