In the Bible, “cowardly” refers to those who lack the courage to stand firm in faith or to act righteously in the face of adversity. It is often associated with fearfulness and is condemned, as seen in Revelation 21:8, which lists cowards among those who will face divine judgment.
Scripture
6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.
7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
Biblical Meaning of Cowardly
The concept of cowardliness in the Bible encompasses more than just a lack of bravery; it signifies a deeper failure of faith and commitment to God’s principles. As highlighted in Revelation 21:8, the “cowardly” are mentioned alongside the faithless, vile, murderers, and those engaged in sorcery, showcasing that cowardice is viewed as a severe moral failing. This verse emphasizes that fear can prevent individuals from taking a stand for righteousness, ultimately leading to spiritual death. In the face of trials and persecution, God’s call for His followers is to possess courage and resilience, reflecting the strength found in faith rather than being paralyzed by fear.
Moreover, passages such as 2 Timothy 1:7 remind believers that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” This suggests that cowardice is not just an emotional reaction but a spiritual issue that can be overcome by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The story of Gideon in Judges 6-7 further illustrates the journey from fear to faith, as Gideon, initially hesitant and fearful, ultimately becomes a mighty warrior for Israel through God’s encouragement and strength. Thus, the broader meaning of cowardice in the Bible calls for believers to confront their fears and embrace the courage that stems from a steadfast faith in God, particularly when faced with adversity or the call to speak truth.
The theme of cowardice in the Bible is closely intertwined with the idea of divine calling and the expectation of obedience in the face of fear. In Isaiah 41:10, God reassures His people not to fear, for He is with them, emphasizing the belief that reliance on divine presence can transform fear into boldness. The encouragement to not be dismayed reveals that when God’s faithful servants allow fear to dictate their actions, they forfeit the opportunity to fulfill their God-given purpose. This perspective positions cowardice not merely as a personal flaw but as a hindrance to participating in the greater narrative of God’s plan.
Additionally, the biblical narrative often contrasts the cowardly with figures of strength and conviction, such as the apostles who, despite their initial fears following Jesus’ crucifixion, transformed into fearless messengers of the Gospel after the Pentecost. Their eventual boldness stands as a testament to the transformative power of encountering the Holy Spirit, which emboldens believers to step outside their comfort zones. In this light, cowardice is framed as an obstacle to spiritual growth and effective witness, challenging believers to confront their fears with the assurance that God equips and empowers them for the tasks He sets before them. The biblical call to courage resonates through personal struggle, communal support, and divine empowerment, inviting individuals to live boldly in accordance with God’s truth.
The Spiritual Implications of Cowardice
In the biblical context, cowardice often signifies a lack of faith and trust in God. It reflects an unwillingness to stand firm in one’s beliefs or to act according to divine guidance, especially in the face of adversity. This spiritual cowardice can lead to a disconnect from God’s purpose and a failure to fulfill one’s calling, as it prioritizes fear over faith.
The Consequences of Cowardice
Cowardice in the Bible is frequently associated with negative outcomes, both personally and communally. It can result in missed opportunities for growth, spiritual development, and the fulfillment of God’s plans. Additionally, when individuals or communities succumb to cowardice, they may foster an environment of fear and doubt, which can hinder collective faith and action.
The Call to Courage
The Bible encourages believers to embrace courage as a vital aspect of their faith journey. This call to courage is not merely about physical bravery but involves a deep-rooted confidence in God’s promises and presence. By overcoming cowardice, individuals are empowered to take bold steps in their spiritual lives, advocate for justice, and share their faith with others, ultimately reflecting the strength and love of God in their actions.
How to Cultivate Courage and Overcome Fear in Faith
Cultivating courage and overcoming fear in your faith journey is a deeply personal and transformative process. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture, where you’ll find countless reminders of God’s unwavering presence—like in Isaiah 41:10, which reassures us not to fear because He is with us. Prayer is another powerful tool; it allows you to lay your fears at His feet and seek His strength. Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow believers who can encourage you and share their own stories of overcoming fear. Remember, courage isn’t the absence of fear but the decision to trust God despite it. Each small step you take in faith, whether it’s sharing your testimony or stepping out of your comfort zone to serve others, builds your spiritual resilience. Embrace the journey, knowing that with each act of courage, you’re not only growing closer to God but also inspiring others to do the same.
Bible References to Cowardice in Scripture:
2 Timothy 1:6-8: 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,
7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,
Matthew 10:26-33: 26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.”
27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.
30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.
31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven,
33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
Deuteronomy 31:6-8: 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it.
8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
Joshua 1:6-9: 6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.
7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Isaiah 41:10-13: 10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
11 Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish.
12 You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all.
13 For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
Psalm 27:1-3: 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.
3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.
Hebrews 10:35-39: 35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.
36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
37 For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay;
38 but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him.
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
1 John 4:16-18: 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.
18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
Romans 8:15-17: 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Philippians 1:27-30: 27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,
28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents.
29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,
30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14: 13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
14 Let all that you do be done in love.
Ephesians 6:10-18: 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.