Courage

Courage, as depicted in the Bible, is the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. It is a virtue that is often associated with faith and trust in God. The Bible provides numerous examples and exhortations to be courageous, often linking it with the presence and promises of God.

One of the most prominent exhortations to courage is found in the book of Joshua. As Joshua assumes leadership over 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 command is repeated multiple times, emphasizing that courage is rooted in God's faithfulness and His promises.

In the New Testament, courage is exemplified by the apostles and early Christians who faced persecution. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, writes, "Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13). Here, courage is linked with vigilance, faith, and strength, underscoring its importance in the Christian life.

Courage is also seen in the life of David, who, as a young shepherd, faced the giant Goliath with unwavering faith in God. David's declaration, "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), reflects a profound trust in God's deliverance, which fuels his courage.

Honor

Honor in the biblical context refers to the respect, esteem, and reverence due to individuals, positions, or God Himself. It is a key component of righteous living and is often associated with obedience, integrity, and humility.

The Bible commands honor towards parents, as seen in the Ten Commandments: "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12). This commandment underscores the importance of family and the respect owed to parental authority.

Honor is also due to those in positions of authority. The Apostle Peter instructs believers, "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority... Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king" (1 Peter 2:13, 17). This passage highlights the Christian duty to respect and honor governing authorities as part of their witness to the world.

Moreover, honor is ultimately due to God. The Psalms frequently call for the honor and glorification of God, as in Psalm 29:2, "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness" . This call to honor God is foundational to worship and reflects the believer's acknowledgment of God's supreme worth and authority.

In the life of Jesus, honor is both given and received. Jesus honors His Father through obedience and submission, even unto death. In turn, God honors Jesus, as seen in Philippians 2:9-11, where God exalts Him and bestows upon Him the name above every name.

Courage and honor are intertwined in the biblical narrative, as both virtues are essential for living a life that reflects God's character and commands. They are not merely personal attributes but are deeply connected to one's relationship with God and others.