Living Out Courage - Illustration

Imagine a young mother named Maria, who, despite facing overwhelming challenges—financial difficulties, a demanding job, and the responsibilities of raising two small children—decides to host a community dinner in her home. As she prepares the meal, her heart is not just heavy with the weight of her own burdens but filled with a profound desire to connect with her neighbors and offer them a sense of belonging.

This decision to invite others in is rooted in the spirit of agape (unconditional love) that Paul speaks about in 2 Timothy 1:7, where he reminds us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” Maria’s courage to step into the unknown demonstrates that while our circumstances may weigh us down, the presence of God empowers us to act generously in our community. As she shares her meal, laughter echoes through her home, and the worries of her neighbors momentarily melt away.

In this simple yet profound act of hospitality, Maria finds purpose and spiritual growth, realizing that gratitude opens the door to courage. By stepping beyond her own fears and limitations, she embodies the very love that Christ calls us to live out daily.

As we reflect on our own lives, let us ask: What small acts of courage can we take this week to express gratitude and generosity? Who can we invite into our lives or support in our community? In doing so, we, too, will find that courage is often born in the act of loving others.