Courage, as depicted in the Bible, is the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. It is often portrayed as a virtue that is bolstered by faith in God and His promises. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and exhortations that highlight the importance of courage in the life of a believer, emphasizing that true courage is rooted in divine support.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of courage is prominently featured in the Old Testament, where it is frequently linked with trust in God. One of the most notable exhortations to courage is found in the book of Joshua. As Joshua assumes leadership of Israel after Moses, God commands him, "Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them" (Joshua 1:6). This divine command is accompanied by the assurance of God's presence: "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).

The narrative of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 is another powerful illustration of courage underpinned by faith. David, a young shepherd, confronts the Philistine giant Goliath, declaring, "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 is not based on his own strength but on his confidence in God's deliverance.

Psalms and Wisdom Literature

The Psalms frequently express the theme of courage in the face of adversity, often highlighting the psalmist's reliance on God's protection and strength. Psalm 27:1 states, "The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?" . This verse encapsulates the idea that courage is a natural response to the recognition of God's sovereignty and protection.

In the book of Proverbs, wisdom and courage are intertwined. Proverbs 28:1 declares, "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion" . This boldness is attributed to the righteousness that comes from living in accordance with God's will, suggesting that moral integrity and courage are closely linked.

New Testament Perspectives

In the New Testament, courage is often associated with the proclamation of the Gospel and the endurance of persecution. Jesus Himself encourages His disciples, saying, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Here, Jesus assures His followers that their courage is grounded in His victory over the world.

The Acts of the Apostles provides numerous accounts of the early Christians displaying remarkable courage. For instance, after being arrested and threatened, Peter and John boldly declare, "We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20). Their courage is attributed to the filling of the Holy Spirit, as noted in Acts 4:31: "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly" .

The Apostle Paul frequently writes about courage in his epistles, encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith. In 1 Corinthians 16:13, he exhorts, "Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong" . Paul's letters often emphasize that courage is necessary for living a life that honors God, especially in the face of trials and opposition.

Divine Support as the Source of Courage

Throughout the Bible, the source of true courage is consistently identified as divine support. Believers are encouraged to rely on God's presence, promises, and power rather than their own abilities. Isaiah 41:10 offers a profound assurance: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness" .

The theme of divine support is also evident in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus promises His disciples, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" . This promise of His abiding presence serves as a foundation for the courage required to fulfill the Great Commission.

In summary, the Bible presents courage as an essential virtue for believers, one that is deeply intertwined with faith in God's presence and promises. Whether facing personal challenges, proclaiming the Gospel, or enduring persecution, the courage of believers is consistently portrayed as being sustained by divine support.