Fortitude is defined as mental and emotional strength when facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation. In the Bible, fortitude is characterized by perseverance, courage, endurance and an unyielding spirit that does not relent in the face of obstacles. The Bible encourages believers to cultivate fortitude as they live out their faith and deal with the challenges of life.
Throughout Scripture, we find stories of people who displayed remarkable fortitude in clinging to God and remaining steadfast in their convictions when facing opposition. Noah persevered in building the ark over many decades despite the mocking of others (Genesis 6-9). Joseph refused to succumb to bitterness when sold into slavery and falsely accused (Genesis 37-50). Job maintained his faith despite experiencing tremendous suffering and loss (Book of Job). The prophet Jeremiah continued to proclaim God’s word even when persecuted and imprisoned (Book of Jeremiah). And church leaders like Paul and Barnabas persisted in preaching the gospel in the face of beating, stoning, imprisonment and more (Acts 13-28).
These examples of fortitude all demonstrate a resilient spirit that does not compromise or waver when under pressure. The Bible calls believers to emulate such steadfastness.
Cultivating fortitude through God’s strength
The Bible makes it clear that true fortitude comes from relying on God for strength, not merely gritting our teeth and toughing it out alone. We see this in David’s battle with Goliath. David declared, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty” (1 Samuel 17:45). It was God who strengthened David to bravely face the giant.
Similarly, Paul testified that he could endure persecution and hardship through Christ who strengthened him (2 Timothy 4:17). The Lord told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). God’s grace and power shined through Paul’s fortitude in the face of adversity.
Believers can have boldness and resilience when their strength and hope is in the Lord. “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31). By relying on divine power, we can persevere with fortitude.
Standing firm in faith
Fortitude means standing firm in our conviction and faith no matter the opposition we face. The Bible exhorts believers not to waver but to be steadfast in following the Lord. “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).
When we are rooted in God’s truth, we will not be “blown here and there by every wind of teaching” (Ephesians 4:14). We can stand unshaken against external pressures because our foundation is built on the rock of Christ and His Word (Matthew 7:24-27). Hebrews 10:23 encourages, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Fortitude means clinging tenaciously to our faith and conviction rather than compromising under pressure.
Persevering through trials
Fortitude involves maintaining the will to keep going even when afflicted by hardship and suffering. Christians are told to persevere through trials so they can mature in their faith: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4). Difficulties are an opportunity to develop perseverance and fortitude.
Paul writes that troubles can produce endurance and character: “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4). Fortitude means not losing heart and confidence in God when experiencing affliction. “We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day…So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Our fortitude comes from an eternal perspective.
Exhibiting courage
Fortitude involves courageously standing up for what is right and stepping out in faith when it is risky or dangerous to do so. The Bible has many examples of believers exhibiting courage. Esther bravely risked her life by approaching the king to save her people (Book of Esther). Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den because he refused to stop praying to God (Daniel 6). Peter and John kept preaching the gospel even after being flogged and imprisoned (Acts 4-5).
Jesus told His followers, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28). Our fortitude comes from the courage of our convictions regardless of consequences. Paul said he was “compelled to preach” despite facing prison (1 Corinthians 9:16). We are called to exhibit courage in furthering the kingdom of God and speaking biblical truth. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Our courage rests in the presence of God.
Strengthening fortitude by God’s promises
In order to persevere through difficulty and manifest fortitude, we must root ourselves in God’s many great promises found in Scripture. When we feel like giving up, we can draw strength from:
- God’s presence – “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
- God’s help – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
- God’s comfort – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
- God’s rest – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
- God’s renewal – “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” (Isaiah 40:29)
When we meditate on these promises, our fortitude is strengthened to keep believing, obeying and hoping in the Lord amid hard times. We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13).
Fortitude through the Holy Spirit
Believers have spiritual fortitude through the indwelling Holy Spirit who empowers us beyond our natural human strength. Paul testified: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). The Holy Spirit cultivates fortitude in our lives by producing His fruit: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). As we walk by the Spirit, we will manifest resilient character that withstands hardship.
The Spirit also pours out gifts to equip believers for ministry in the face of opposition. Jesus promised: “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father – the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father – he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning” (John 15:26-27). The Spirit emboldens us with courage and power to testify about Christ.
We grow in fortitude by relying on the Spirit’s strength when facing difficulty. “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). When we submit to the Spirit’s control and draw on His power, He produces steadfastness and character in our lives.
Developing fortitude through spiritual disciplines
Certain spiritual disciplines can help nurture fortitude in the Christian life when practiced with consistency over time. For example:
- Bible study – God’s Word equips us to stand firm: “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:2). Internalizing Scripture builds resilience.
- Prayer – Bringing requests to God trains us to rely on divine strength in difficulties: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).
- Fasting – Refraining from food fosters self-control and dependence on God rather than worldly comforts.
- Fellowship – Christian community provides support and encouragement to endure: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
- Stewardship – Utilizing resources wisely keeps priorities eternal rather than earthly.
By training ourselves through spiritual discipline, we cooperate with God’s development of fortitude in our inner life so we can persevere through external trials.
Manifesting fortitude through Christlike love
The pinnacle of Christian fortitude is manifesting selfless, sacrificial love like Jesus modeled for us. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). As we grow in grace, we exhibit Christlike virtue that stands strong when mistreated or attacked.
Jesus taught that turning the other cheek and going the extra mile displays strength of character not weakness (Matthew 5:38-42). We can remain kind to antagonists and persecutors by God’s grace at work within us. “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath” (Romans 12:17-19). Fortitude shines most brilliantly when loving in the face of hatred.
Paul amazingly modeled such love for those who harmed him and the gospel message: “Let those who cause divisions contrary to the doctrine which you learned turn away from them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience has become known to all… But I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” (Romans 16:17-20).
As we are conformed to the image of Christ, we can manifest His love and respond to mistreatment with prayer rather than retaliation. This exhibits true fortitude and strength of spirit.
Hope and joy strengthen fortitude
Lastly, maintaining a spirit of hope and joy enables believers to persevere with fortitude through all kinds of afflictions. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). By rejoicing in what Christ has done for us, we gain strength to endure present sufferings.
Our hope is anchored in the promise of eternal life and comfort to come. “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5:3-5). The hope of heaven fuels fortitude to press on.
We can even “consider it pure joy” when facing trials because of how God will use hardship to spiritually strengthen us (James 1:2-4). An eternal perspective and joy in the Lord enable us to manifest resilient faith that withstands tests and comes forth as gold (1 Peter 1:6-7).
By cultivating fortitude with God’s help, we become rooted, steadfast, immovable disciples who thrive by His grace even in storms of adversity. We have strength to persevere until the end because our labor in Christ’s harvest is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
