Moral Courage is The Highest Expression of Humanity

There are a few traits that people with moral courage have. Knowing the difference from right and wrong and always doing the right thing despite the consequences. Being kind, never ceasing to help others and performing selfless actions are some of the other character traits people with moral courage have. 

While many of us may have positive influence to change attitudes towards what is "different", we certainly need to foster the kind of heroic altruism that is needed to make a difference.

There are people that possess knowledge of good and bad, right and wrong and even have a good set of values and beliefs however they lack moral courage. This is because they don’t put into practice all their knowledge. They think about themselves in every situation and how they may benefit from it, in other words, they don’t act selflessly, they are not willing to sacrifice anything for anyone.

In a world that too often feels belligerent, with all the challenges and chaos all over the world we need more acts of kindness. Why do some people perform acts of altruism while others do nothing? People many times even risk being in trouble just to help someone in need. The answer to this question maybe simple. Altruists simply see the world in a different way; they see people as another human being and may feel in some way connected by the simple fact of being human. The rest of us see a stranger and not a fellow human being. This is not to say that non altruistic people lack morals; in fact, most of us posses a natural preference for fairness and so we get upset or offended when we see acts that violate our perspective.

Certainly, it is important to show empathy when we treat others, specially when it comes to situations that require moral courage. We need to inspire others so they can take action and be more altruist. Despite all of our differences we need to look beneath the surface and accept people for who they are. We are all human beings and we all deserve compassion. People face challenges every day we just don’t hear about it. A little compassion goes a long way so lets offer a kind word and comfort to those who are hurting or suffering in some way. Today we show the highest expression of humanity to the world around us. Put your moral courage to work. 

Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. - Isaiah 1:17

Cultivating Moral Courage in Daily Life

What does it look like to live with moral courage in our everyday lives? It's not just about grand acts of heroism, but about the small, intentional choices we make each day. For instance, choosing to listen to someone who needs to be heard, or standing up for a colleague who's being bullied. These moments may seem insignificant, but they add up to create a life of character and integrity. As Scripture reminds us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

One way to cultivate moral courage is to practice self-reflection and examine our motivations. What drives us to act with kindness and compassion? Is it a desire to help others, or is it a need for validation? Being honest with ourselves can help us identify areas where we need to grow and develop our moral courage. Additionally, surrounding ourselves with people who inspire and challenge us to be our best selves can be a powerful catalyst for growth. As the apostle Paul wrote, "Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)

So, how can you start putting moral courage into practice today? Begin by looking for opportunities to serve others in your daily life. This might mean offering a kind word to a stranger, volunteering in your community, or simply being present for a friend in need. As you take these small steps, you'll begin to build your moral courage and develop a deeper sense of empathy and compassion for those around you. And remember, it's not about achieving some kind of moral perfection – it's about being willing to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. As we seek to live with moral courage, may we be guided by the wisdom of Scripture and the example of Jesus, who showed us that true greatness comes from serving others with humility and love.