Courage

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

John 15:13

When you hear the word courage, what thoughts come to mind? Maybe you think about movies like Gladiator and Braveheart which tell thrilling stories of bravery and sacrifice. Or perhaps you think about soldiers at war putting their lives in jeopardy day after day in order to preserve freedom and safety. In the verse listed above, Jesus talks about what we often call the ultimate sacrifice. Most often we use this phrase for soldiers that lose their lives at war. Jesus makes a connection between love, sacrifice and true friendship prior to the greatest act of sacrifice our world has ever seen.

Every day we have the opportunity to live courageously through selfless acts and sacrifices. Our acts of courage may never receive glory and praise from others but we can be sure that God see’s all that we do and rejoices with us in our victories. This week our challenge is to live courageously. Every day we are faced with temptation and unrighteous compromise. Remember the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us and have courage to live for him in return one day at a time.

Have a great week and feel free to share examples of acts of courage that you have taken this week!

- Matt