Courage is a common theme in the Bible and can be found in both the Old and New Testaments. In the O.T. courage is often attributed to bravery in times of war and conflict. When the Israelites were commanded to take back the Promised Land from foreigners and strangers, they were reminded and encouraged to be strong and courageous.

Meanwhile, the N.T. shows a different type of courage. It isn’t about fighting a physical battle or wounding enemies. It is about taking all the attacks of the enemy head-on, without the desire for revenge. It appears, courage is more admired when conflict has been prevented.

If we are going to get a principle related to courage that we should live by, that is to be courageous enough not to yield into violence. As Jesus Christ said in the garden while he was being arrested, “those who live by the sword, shall die by the sword.”