Bravery is a virtue that is highly esteemed in the Bible. Scripture provides many examples of brave men and women who trusted in God and acted courageously in the face of danger. Here is an overview of some key biblical themes related to bravery:
Courage comes from trusting in God
The Bible makes it clear that true bravery comes not from self-reliance but reliance on God. When we trust in God’s sovereign power and promises, we can act courageously even when afraid (Psalm 56:3-4, Isaiah 41:10). Knowing God is with us empowers us to face challenges head-on rather than run away (Joshua 1:9).
Bravery means acting despite fear
Bravery does not mean the absence of fear. Many biblical heroes experienced fear, but they pressed on despite their terror. Jesus himself demonstrated brave endurance through the horrors of crucifixion (Hebrews 12:2-3). Biblical courage means feeling afraid but taking right action anyway.
Bravery is fueled by faith
Faith is the foundation of biblical bravery. Heroes like Daniel’s friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego stood firm in their devotion to God, believing he could deliver them – even from a fiery furnace (Daniel 3:17-18). Faith gives believers courage and boldness to act, even in the face of death (Acts 4:13, 29-31).
Courage involves risk and sacrifice
Being brave often requires sacrificing comfort, reputation, resources, even life itself for the sake of righteousness. Many biblical heroes like Esther (Esther 4:16) and the prophets (Hebrews 11:32-38) risked everything in order to obey and honor God. Jesus epitomizes courage through his willingness to suffer and die to redeem mankind (Romans 5:6-8).
Biblical courage stands on conviction
Brave biblical figures were driven by deep conviction rather than fleeting emotion. Their courage was fueled by beliefs like: God is sovereign, God’s ways are righteous, obeying God is paramount, and God rewards the faithful. Unshakable beliefs empowered them to stand firm (Daniel 3:16-18), fight valiantly (Hebrews 11:32-34), and conquer kingdoms by faith (Hebrews 11:33-34).
Bravery involves perseverance
Biblical courage is often defined by perseverance through hardship. Joseph persevered through betrayal, slavery and prison to become a ruler in Egypt (Genesis 37-50). Enduring famine, David’s mighty men persevered in battle (2 Samuel 23:8-39). Jesus and Paul also demonstrated courage through unrelenting determination to complete their God-given missions (Luke 9:51, Acts 20:22-24).
The Bible commands courage
Scripture directly instructs believers to be strong and courageous. God commanded Joshua to be brave as he led Israel into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:6-7, 9). Gideon was told to “go in the strength you have” as he battled the Midianites (Judges 6:14). Paul tells believers to be courageous and stand firm in the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13). We all are called to live bravely for Christ.
Bravery brings God glory
A final motivation for courage offered in Scripture is that it brings honor and glory to God. When we fear God rather than man, we can act boldly, testifying to God’s supreme worth (Psalm 56:4, 11-13, Daniel 3:16-18). Our courage points to the greatness of the One who empowers it. Bravery lived out through faith makes much of God.
Examples of Bravery in the Bible
The Bible highlights the stories of many brave heroes of the faith who trusted God in the face of danger and were used mightily in His Kingdom. Here are some key examples:
David vs Goliath (1 Samuel 17)
The story of young David standing up to the Philistine giant Goliath is one of the most famous examples of bravery against overwhelming odds. Though just a boy, David relied fully on God to deliver him and boldly fought a far superior foe with just a sling, five stones and faith in God.
The Midwives in Exodus (Exodus 1:15-21)
Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah courageously chose to obey God rather than bow to Pharaoh’s murderous decree to kill newborn Israelite boys. Their brave defiance saved lives and pleased God.
Rahab (Joshua 2)
Rahab the prostitute sheltered Israelite spies at great personal risk, lying to the king of Jericho to protect them. Her brave act and faith in God led to her rescue and incorporation into God’s people.
Gideon (Judges 6-8)
Though initially full of fear and self-doubt, Gideon gained courage through God’s calling and empowering. His brave obedience led the Israelites to victory over the vast Midianite army with just 300 men.
Queen Esther (Esther 4)
Esther bravely risked her life approaching King Xerxes unbidden to expose Haman’s murderous plot against the Jews. Her courageous intervention saved her people.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel 3:8-30)
Threatened with a fiery death for refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, these three young Jewish exiles boldly clung to their faith in God. Their brave refusal and miraculous rescue testified to the one true God.
Peter and John (Acts 4:1-22)
When these apostles were arrested and threatened by Jewish authorities for preaching about Jesus, they courageously refused to stop speaking the truth. They chose obeying God over men.
Paul (2 Corinthians 11:23-29)
The apostle Paul suffered every kind of hardship and persecution imaginable but persevered bravely through all of it to spread the gospel. His courage in life and death served Christ faithfully.
Jesus (Mark 14:32-15:39)
Jesus himself demonstrated true courage by resolutely setting his face toward Jerusalem to suffer and die, though terrified in Gethsemane. His obedience through pain and death epitomizes biblical bravery.
How Can We Develop Bravery?
Scripture not only depicts bravery – it provides guidance on growing in courage ourselves. Here are some key principles for developing bravery:
Recognize that God is with us
As stated above, biblical courage is rooted in trusting God’s presence and power with us always. Internalizing this truth builds bravery (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Rely on God’s strength
Human strength and abilities are insufficient. Ask God for courage and boldness to follow him (Psalm 138:3, Acts 4:29). His strength shines through our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Remember past victories
Recalling how God has delivered us previously builds faith he will do so again (1 Samuel 17:34-37). This fuels bravery to keep moving forward.
Have an eternal perspective
Keeping in mind the eternal victory Christ has already won helps us endure earthly troubles and threats with courage (Isaiah 51:12, Romans 8:18, 35-39).
Take steps of faith
We can’t wait for courage – we must walk forward in faith, trusting God to meet us (Matthew 14:28-29). Obedience strengthens courage over time.
Find support in others
Fellowship with other believers who’ve shown courage inspires bravery in us (Hebrews 10:23-25). Their examples can build our faith.
Stand on God’s truth
Immersing our minds in Scriptural truths equips us to stand firm in the face of opposition or adversity (Psalm 1:1-3). Biblical truth nourishes courage.
Bravery Empowered by the Holy Spirit
A final key source of courage for believers is the indwelling Holy Spirit. Jesus promised his disciples that when the Spirit came upon them, they would receive power to be his witnesses even through persecution (Acts 1:8). The early church experienced this courage repeatedly as they faced threats but continued boldly spreading the gospel (Acts 4:8-13, 29-31). The Spirit enables bravery today too as we trust and follow him.
Conclusion
The Bible clearly demonstrates that courage is important and honoring to God. Scripture provides numerous inspiring examples of brave heroes who found courage in their faith in God. Trusting in God’s presence and promises is the foundation of biblical bravery. As we walk closely with him, God wants to strengthen our hearts, empower us through his Spirit, and use us in mighty ways through courageous obedience to him.
