Billy Graham once said, “Courage is contagious! When a brave man (woman) takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened.” As we get around other people who are busy listening to God and living for the truth of His love, our backbones grow in strength. Truth, God’s Spirit, flowing courageously from others is inspiring. I guess each of us better ask ourselves, “Is my courage contagious?”
If we are not courageously thinking and acting upon our convictions about God’s love and principles, then we may be stifling or even grieving the inspiration of the Spirit. Our spirits were created to be fueled and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, our spirits must be producing the Holy fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, thoughtfulness, and self-control…Galatians 5:22) that spills forth and reveals courageous and confident living in God’s love for all. It takes great courage to release the fruit of the Spirit in this world. You know what I’m talking about. It takes great courage to choose to love some folks. It takes great courage to remain peaceful when all hell is coming against our lives. Our courage is not based upon our strength; it is based upon the powerful truth of the Spirit. That makes us responsible to get into agreement with the Spirit, doesn’t it? So, let’s stiffen our backbones and be courageous and contagious in this world. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7