Courage to stand for righteousness is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, exemplified by numerous figures who, despite facing adversity, chose to uphold God's standards and truth. This courage is not merely a human trait but is often depicted as a divine empowerment, enabling believers to act in accordance with God's will, even in the face of persecution or opposition.

Old Testament Examples

1. Daniel: One of the most prominent examples of courage in the Old Testament is Daniel. Despite the threat of being thrown into the lion's den, Daniel continued to pray to God openly, defying the edict of King Darius. His unwavering faith and courage are highlighted in Daniel 6:10: "Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before."

2. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: These three young men displayed remarkable courage when they refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar's golden image. Their faith in God was unshakable, as seen in Daniel 3:17-18: "If we are thrown into the blazing fiery furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up."

3. Esther: Queen Esther's bravery in approaching King Xerxes without being summoned, risking her life to save her people, is another profound example. Her famous words in Esther 4:16 reflect her courage: "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."

New Testament Examples

1. John the Baptist: Known for his boldness, John the Baptist fearlessly proclaimed the need for repentance and righteousness, even confronting King Herod about his unlawful marriage. His courage ultimately led to his imprisonment and execution, as recorded in Mark 6:18-19: "For John had been telling Herod, 'It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.' So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him."

2. The Apostles: After Jesus' resurrection, the apostles exhibited extraordinary courage in spreading the Gospel. Despite threats and persecution, they continued to preach boldly. Acts 4:19-20 captures their resolve: "But Peter and John replied, '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.'"

3. Stephen: As the first Christian martyr, Stephen's courage is evident in his unwavering testimony before the Sanhedrin. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he boldly proclaimed the truth, even as he faced death by stoning. Acts 7:55-56 describes his vision and courage: "But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 'Look,' he said, 'I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.'"

Theological Insights

Courage to stand for righteousness is deeply rooted in faith and trust in God. It is often accompanied by a profound sense of purpose and conviction that transcends personal safety or societal approval. The Bible consistently portrays this courage as a response to God's call, empowered by the Holy Spirit. In Ephesians 6:10-11, believers are encouraged to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes."

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, the call to stand for righteousness remains relevant. This courage is nurtured through prayer, study of Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It involves speaking truth in love, advocating for justice, and living out one's faith authentically, even when it is countercultural or unpopular. As seen in Hebrews 13:6, believers are reminded, "So we say with confidence: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'"