Courage

Courage, as depicted in the Bible, is the mental and moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. It is a virtue that is often called upon in the face of adversity and is closely linked to faith and trust in God. The Bible provides numerous examples and exhortations to be courageous, often in the context of fulfilling God's commands and purposes.

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 possession of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them" (Joshua 1:6). This command is repeated multiple times, emphasizing the necessity of courage in leadership and obedience to God's will.

Courage is also exemplified in the life of David, particularly in his confrontation with Goliath. Despite the overwhelming odds, David's faith in God emboldens him to face the giant, 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 rooted in his trust in God's past faithfulness and His power to deliver.

In the New Testament, the apostles demonstrate courage in the face of persecution. After being arrested and commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus, Peter and John respond, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:19-20). Their courage is fueled by their conviction and commitment to the truth of the Gospel.

The Apostle Paul also speaks of courage in his letters, encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith. In 1 Corinthians 16:13, he writes, "Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong" . Here, courage is linked with vigilance, faithfulness, and strength, essential qualities for living a life that honors God.

Justice

Justice in the Bible is a fundamental attribute of God's character and a central theme throughout Scripture. It involves the fair and impartial treatment of individuals, the upholding of righteousness, and the administration of what is right according to God's standards.

The Old Testament law is replete with commands for justice, reflecting God's concern for fairness and equity. In Deuteronomy 16:20, the Israelites are instructed, "Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land the LORD your God is giving you" . This pursuit of justice is not merely legalistic but is deeply connected to the covenant relationship between God and His people.

The prophets frequently call out the injustices of their time, urging a return to God's standards. Micah 6:8 famously summarizes God's requirements: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" . Justice, mercy, and humility are intertwined, reflecting a holistic approach to living in accordance with God's will.

In the New Testament, Jesus embodies and teaches justice, often challenging the religious leaders of His day for their hypocrisy and failure to uphold true justice. In Matthew 23:23, He rebukes them, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness" . Jesus emphasizes that justice is a weighty matter of the law, integral to genuine faith.

The early church also grappled with issues of justice, particularly in the distribution of resources and care for the marginalized. In Acts 6, the appointment of deacons to ensure fair distribution of food to widows reflects the community's commitment to justice and equity.

Ultimately, the Bible presents justice as an essential aspect of God's kingdom, one that believers are called to pursue and embody in their lives. It is a reflection of God's own nature and a testament to His righteous rule over creation.