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 the absence of fear but the triumph over it through reliance on God's strength and promises.

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 to be strong and courageous, assuring him of His presence: "Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). This divine encouragement underscores the biblical principle that true courage stems from faith in God's presence and promises.

David, the shepherd boy who became king, also exemplifies courage. His confrontation with Goliath is a classic narrative of faith-fueled bravery. David's confidence was not in his own strength but in the Lord: "David said to the Philistine, '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'" (1 Samuel 17:45). David's courage was rooted in his unwavering trust in God's power and faithfulness.

The New Testament continues this theme, with the apostles demonstrating courage in the face of persecution. The early church leaders, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaimed the gospel despite threats and imprisonment. Acts 4:13 notes the courage of Peter and John: "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 empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

Risk

Risk, in the biblical context, often involves stepping out in faith, trusting God despite uncertain outcomes. The Bible presents risk as an integral part of the life of faith, where believers are called to act in obedience to God, even when the path is fraught with potential danger or loss.

Abraham's journey is a quintessential example of taking risks in obedience to God. Called to leave his homeland and go to a place he did not know, Abraham's faith was counted as righteousness: "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place he would later receive as an inheritance. He went out without knowing where he was going" (Hebrews 11:8). Abraham's willingness to risk his security and future on God's promise exemplifies the faith-driven risk that characterizes the lives of many biblical figures.

Esther's account also highlights the theme of risk. As queen, she risked her life by approaching the king unsummoned to save her people from destruction. Her famous words, "If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16), reflect a profound commitment to God's purpose, even at great personal risk. Esther's courage and willingness to take risks for the sake of her people demonstrate the intersection of faith, courage, and risk.

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul frequently faced risks in his missionary journeys. He endured shipwrecks, beatings, and imprisonment for the sake of the gospel. Paul’s life exemplifies the willingness to risk everything for the advancement of God's kingdom, as he writes, "I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God's grace" (Acts 20:24).

The Bible encourages believers to embrace courage and risk as integral aspects of a life of faith. Through the examples of biblical figures, it teaches that courage is rooted in trust in God, and risk is a necessary component of following His call.