How Can We Show Our Christian Courage? - New Evangelizers

“Be watchful, stand firm, be courageous, be strong, Let all that you do be done in love.” Corinthians 16:13-14 RSV-CE

As Christians face global persecution, many Christians are left wondering what they can do to help. Many, unable to participate in this global struggle directly, simply sigh and go on with a heavy heart and their daily lives.  I would like to argue that we as Christians do not all need to take on a global perspective in order to help our persecuted brothers and sisters.

Many Christians deal with this reality in different ways. Some are not capable of dealing with it for an abundance of reasons. Some are overwhelmed and retreat to a deep inner sanctum looking for a safe haven or a sense of peace. Some put up blocks and refocus on things that bring joy instead. Still others whistle while walking by the graveyard. 

I completely understand why Christians may react in ways of avoidance, particularly when the issue at hand is so large, so complex, so completely dominating. It is easy to simply give up, give in, or ignore. These are natural human traits. 

I believe that we as Christians through small courageous contributions can help the momentum that our Holy Father is building on a global scale and act as frontline catalysts to ensure that that momentum keeps moving forward.

We can practice simple daily Christian living as an acknowledgment and a commitment that we stand for our persecuted brothers and sisters. When we live open Christian lives we are telling the world that we do not fear to live as we do and to believe in what we believe in. By living daily Christian lives we encourage others to live more active Christian lives.

For many Christians living closed or guarded Christian lives, living open Christian lives is a big step. I encourage all Christians to live open Christian lives despite the challenges, perceived or real, they may encounter. Living open Christian lives is a shout out to the world that we stand by and with our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters.

We can take a stand  when someone is spreading misinformation or hate about Christians or Christianity whether we are at work, rest or play. By calling out a person or a group, we play a role in the defense of our faith. We are telling the world that we will not idly stand by and let one step on or disparage our way of life. Be willing to take on a personal risk or sacrifice large or small in the defense of the faith.

I never miss an opportunity to stand up for my faith. This has, on a number of occasions, come at a personal cost. This personal cost does not compare to the persecution my fellow brothers and sisters are facing overseas nor the personal sacrifice that my Lord my God Jesus Christ made at the cross. 

“And if all Christians are not actually called upon to render to the Lord this supreme testimony of love, all should nevertheless, live like courageous soldiers, accustoming themselves never to desert any duty, little or great, through fear of sacrifice.” Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, O.C.D. (Divine Intimacy)

We should act and be courageous despite any fear we may feel. Being overcome by fear in defence of the faith is a gift to satan – courage and fortitude, despite this fear, is a gift to God.

Being courageous within the confines of a Christian community, though commendable, is only a starting point for the Christian. We must start to sail uncharted waters within and beyond the community we live in. We must leave the safety of our fenced in yard and explore the wilds beyond the fence. We must be able to listen to the unknown sounds and growls in the night and stand our ground, patiently waiting for the Lord’s direction. We must be willing to look our persecutors in the eye and not flinch. 

By being courageous in our communities we start to build the foundation on which future Christian generations can build upon and launch further and larger acts of courage in far off lands in defence of the faith.

For our brothers and sisters currently facing persecution and death on a daily basis, the knowledge that we stand with them, that we pray for them and that we are willing to give our all for them will help them in their moment of glory when they will meet the Lord face-to-face in eternal peace. It is the least we can do. I know though, as Christians, we can do better.

Copyright 2014, Luciano Corbo

Luciano Corbo

Luciano Corbo holds a Master of Arts - Integrated Studies from Athabasca University. His major interests are Culture, Work, Organizations and Leadership, within a context of Catholic Social Teaching Principles. He writes from Canada.