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 deeply rooted in faith and trust in God. The Bible provides numerous examples and exhortations regarding courage, emphasizing its importance in the life of a believer.

One of the most prominent examples of courage in the Bible is found in the account 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 and support. In Joshua 1:9 , God says, "Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

David, the shepherd boy who became king, also exemplifies courage. His confrontation with Goliath is a testament to his faith and bravery. In 1 Samuel 17:45 , David declares to the Philistine giant, "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."

The New Testament continues to highlight the theme of courage, particularly in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus encouraged His disciples to be courageous in the face of persecution and trials. In John 16:33 , He assures them, "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world."

The Apostle Paul also speaks of courage in his letters, urging 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."

Influence

Influence in the biblical context refers to the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something. The Bible acknowledges the power of influence, both positive and negative, and provides guidance on how believers should wield their influence in the world.

The influence of a godly life is emphasized throughout Scripture. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, calls His followers to be the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-14). These metaphors illustrate the transformative and preservative impact that believers are to have on society. By living according to God's principles, Christians are to influence the world for good, bringing glory to God.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often speaks of the influence of believers on one another and on the broader community. In 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8 , he commends the Thessalonian church for their exemplary faith, stating, "As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. For not only did the word of the Lord ring out from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone out to every place, so that we have no need to say anything more."

The Bible also warns of the dangers of negative influence. In 1 Corinthians 15:33 , Paul cautions, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" This highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with godly influences and being mindful of the impact one's actions and associations can have on others.

In the Old Testament, the influence of leaders is a recurring theme. The kings of Israel and Judah, for example, had significant influence over their nations, for better or worse. The Bible records how the righteous influence of kings like David and Josiah led to periods of spiritual renewal, while the ungodly influence of kings like Ahab led to idolatry and moral decline.

Overall, the Bible underscores the responsibility of believers to use their influence wisely, to encourage and uplift others, and to lead lives that reflect the character of Christ.