Courage, as depicted in the Bible, is a vital virtue that enables individuals to face fear, danger, or adversity with faith and confidence in God. It is not merely the absence of fear but the resolve to act rightly in the face of fear, trusting in God's promises and presence.

One of the most prominent examples of courage in the Bible is found in the life of Joshua. After the death of Moses, Joshua was appointed to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God commanded him, "Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them" (Joshua 1:6). This divine exhortation underscores the necessity of courage in fulfilling God's purposes.

David's encounter with Goliath is another quintessential example of biblical courage. Despite the overwhelming odds, David declared, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37). David's courage was rooted in his unwavering faith in God's deliverance.

The New Testament also emphasizes courage, particularly in the context of proclaiming the Gospel. The apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, displayed remarkable courage in the face of persecution. In Acts 4:13, the boldness of Peter and John astonished the Sanhedrin, as they recognized that these men had been with Jesus.

Courage is further encouraged in the epistles. Paul exhorts the Corinthians, "Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13). This call to courage is a reminder that believers are to stand firm in their faith, regardless of the challenges they face.

Contribution

Contribution in the biblical sense refers to the act of giving or offering something, whether it be time, resources, or talents, for the service of God and the benefit of others. The Bible presents contribution as an expression of love, gratitude, and obedience to God.

The Old Testament law included various offerings and contributions as part of worship. In Exodus 25:2, God instructed Moses, "Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him" . This voluntary contribution was a means for the Israelites to participate in the construction of the Tabernacle, demonstrating their devotion and willingness to support God's work.

In the New Testament, the principle of contribution is expanded to encompass the sharing of resources within the Christian community. The early church exemplified this in Acts 2:44-45, where "all the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need" . This communal sharing was a powerful testimony of their unity and love.

Paul, in his letters, often commended the churches for their generosity. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, he writes, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver" . This verse highlights the importance of a willing and joyful heart in contributing to God's work.

Moreover, contribution is not limited to material resources. Romans 12:6-8 encourages believers to use their spiritual gifts for the edification of the church, whether it be teaching, serving, or showing mercy. Each contribution, whether tangible or intangible, is valuable in the body of Christ.

In summary, courage and contribution are intertwined in the biblical narrative, as both require a heart aligned with God's will and a commitment to His purposes. Through courage, believers are empowered to face challenges, and through contribution, they actively participate in the advancement of God's kingdom.