Having Courage as a Christian

Have you noticed that courage seems to be in short supply in this day and age?

What even is courage? According to one definition, courage—also known as bravery, will, and fortitude—is the ability to confront fear, pain, risk/danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. “Physical courage” is bravery in the face of physical pain, hardship, or threat of death.

But physical courage is not the only kind of courage that exists . . .

Christian Courage

There is also moral courage, the ability to do what is right in the face of popular opposition or discouragement.

It takes courage to do the right thing today, to stand up for what the Bible says about right and wrong, good and evil.

It takes courage to live honestly, with integrity, avoiding the “shortcuts” that may get you ahead but take you down spiritually and morally.

It takes courage to honor the vows you made to be faithful to your spouse and stand by them “for better or for worse, for richer and poorer, in sickness and health,” as opposed to abandoning them when the marriage gets challenging.

It takes courage to remain sexually pure as a single person with all the pressure today from peers and the media.

And it takes courage to follow Jesus Christ, no matter how hard it gets.

Christian courage is to always put God first, even if it’s unpopular. 

Biblical Examples of Courage 

It took courage for young Stephen to speak and preach the gospel to those who were about to put him to death.

It took courage for Daniel to pray when suddenly it was against the law.

It took courage for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego not to bow before King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue.

And we need this courage today. If you stand up for what is true, you may get “canceled,” or maybe even worse. But we need more courageous people. 

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Learn more about Pastor Greg Laurie

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