8th - 14th December 2025
COURAGE
I have recently been thinking about the idea of virtue cultivation: the deliberate act of developing and strengthening virtuous character traits. And, maybe because I think I lack it, I’ve been thinking about the virtue of courage. Courage can be defined as the ability to do something we find frightening, or strength in the face of pain or grief. However, C. S. Lewis, in The Screwtape Letters, goes further, and explains that “courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point, which means at the point of highest reality.” In other words, without courage, we may lack the strength and conviction needed to demonstrate other virtues.
For Christians, courage, and it’s cultivation, takes a different form from that of non-Christians who simply want to live as a good citizen in society. Firstly, courage is costly. John Piper has written that Christian courage is the willingness to say and do the right thing regardless of the earthly cost.
Secondly, courage is cultivated in companionship. Joshua 1:9 says “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.” God does not call us to be courageous on our own, but to base our courage on His presence with us.
And thirdly, courage is contagious: we can encourage each other to be courageous by demonstrating courage. Philippians 1:14 says, “ And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.” Paul explains how other Christians have become more courageous as a result of knowing his circumstances and steadfast faith.
This week, as I pray for courage in the circumstances I will face, I am thankful that I do not do this on my own, or only for my own good.
Written by Nick Gardner
MONDAY
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31
Father, thank you that your Holy Spirit dwells within us, strengthening us and filling us with the power we need to speak Your word boldly, regardless of how costly this is. Amen.
TUESDAY
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.”
Lord, as we seek to faithfully follow You today, we know that we don’t do this in our own strength: You are with us, fighting our battles. Thank you for the reassurance and encouragement this brings. Amen.
WEDNESDAY
“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! Psalm 31:24
Heavenly Father, thank you for the encouragement we receive from reading Your word. During times in life when we struggle to hear Your voice or notice Your presence with us, thank you that You encourage us to be strong and courageous. Amen.
THURSDAY
I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame. When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me. Psalm 138:1-3
Father, we echo David in wanting to praise You today - for who You are, and Your faithfulness to us. Give us courage to serve You today, in whatever costly situations we find ourselves. Amen.
FRIDAY
Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” Matthew 9:1-2
Heavenly Father, help us today to cultivate courage through meditating on our position as Your forgiven children. Increase our faith in You, as we seek to follow You in companionship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.
SATURDAY
Joab said, “If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you are to come to my rescue; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to rescue you. Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight.”
Father, give us courage to serve You boldly today, knowing that You are in ultimate control of our circumstances. We know, today, that You will do what is good in Your sight. Thank you for the peace this brings. Amen.
SUNDAY
"The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion." Proverbs 28:1
Lord, it is uncommon for us to feel as bold as a lion. But in this verse You don’t talk about our feelings, but about our state. As we walk through life with You, made righteous by Jesus Christ, You promise us courage and boldness as we live for You. Amen.