Strength

Strength in Christianity is very different to what many people perceive strength to be. It is a spiritual strength which has nothing to do with physical strength or political power. This is shown in the Bible where it says, “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city (Proverbs 16:32). The Christian value of strength involves the power to overcome sin and to resist temptations. It involves endurance and the ability to keep trusting in God even when times are difficult. In this regard, the spiritually strong remembers the words of the Bible which say, “Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart” (Psalm 27:14). The Christian value of strength also involves endurance to keep working and serving God and those in need. It is also the power of the personality and how it can affect others and lead them in goodness. It is the strength to live the Christian faith.

The gentleness and humility, that Christianity involves, requires true strength. On the contrary, strength that involves violence, attacking and trying to overcome people is sinful and anyone can resort to such behavior.

The spiritually strong person is not shaken by people attacking him/her nor by the cruel words or actions of others. Also, he/she is unaffected by either the abundance of riches, prestige or materialistic status nor by the lack of them. The strong person is never overcome by worry or despair, nor by disturbance or fear but obeys the Bible’s instruction “Be steadfast, immovable.” (1 Cor. 15:58). He/she has a strong faith which trusts in the God’s power that is with, guards and protects him/her. The strong Christian knows that the Holy Spirit is with him/her and trusts in God’s promise, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” (Acts 1:8). He/she says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).

Courage is also a quality of the Christian value of strength. This courage comes from faith and prayer. As king David declares, “in the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul” (Psalm 138:2-3). Therefore, the strong Christian does not fear and is not troubled when facing opposition. The strong Christian heeds the encouragement of the Holy Bible which says, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14). Here, we again see that Christian strength is to be used to show love and do good.

Of course, there are people who are strong and brave yet are not Christians. Their strength may exist in their wisdom, intelligence, determination and personalities. However, no is perfect and we all can weaken. The difference is that Christians rely on God to help them be strong. They strive and pray and use the resources God has given them and trust in God to strengthen them and to give them courage. They follow his His commandments which gives strength. They exercise self control which is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. The strong Christian trusts in God’s promise of eternity and is not afraid of death. The strong Christian may also be strong because he/she love’s the truth and lives it. Truth is always strong, no matter what forces clash with it. Fasting, spiritual exercises and heavenly wisdom also give strength. The strong Christian isn’t attached to worldly, materialistic treasure but rather to heavenly treasure. As St. Augustine said, “I sat on top of the world when I felt that I desired nothing and feared nothing.”

Christians are strong because they are in the image of God and God is powerful…The Lord Jesus, despite His gentleness and humility, is powerful.

The Christian value of strength is multifaceted with all aspects working together to make us truly strong. This true strength is totally different to the false strength that depends on authority, physical power, pride and violence.