The Doctrine of Courage - Church Context

Jeremiah 29:11 offers us a profound assurance: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This promise, emerging from a time of exile, speaks deeply to our human experience. Here, the people of Israel were not in a place of comfort; they faced uncertainty and doubt. Yet, God’s message was one of courageous hope.

Courage is often mistaken for the absence of fear, but true courage exists within it. It is the decision to move forward, anchored in the knowledge of God's benevolent intention for our lives. In the church, we are called not only to acknowledge our fears but to proclaim our faith boldly, encouraging one another to take steps towards the future God has designed for us.

Imagine a small group within our congregation, gathering weekly in a living room. Perhaps they’re discussing their struggles with faith, their losses, and their dreams. In these intimate moments, as they share their vulnerabilities, something beautiful happens: they begin to embody koinonia, the Greek word for community. Each story of resilience brings encouragement, igniting a collective courage that transforms their understanding of God’s plans.

This week, let us reflect on how we can support one another in this journey. What fears can we bring to light, and how can we proclaim hope to one another? In doing so, we grow spiritually and strengthen our bonds—together, as a community, moving toward the future that God has planned for us.