Standing Up for Jesus With Courage: Lessons From Lepa Radić’s Inspiring Story

Discover how the story of Lepa Radić teaches Christians the importance of courage, faith, and standing up for Jesus with confidence.

Why is courage fading in today’s church? Why are so many believers silent in the face of trials? Fear of death, fear of rejection, and fear of standing alone for Christ are spreading fast. Yet the Bible reminds us:

“God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

To illustrate this truth, let’s look at the remarkable story of Lepa Radić, a 17-year-old girl who refused to betray her convictions—even in the face of death. Her courage can teach us how to stand up for Jesus with faith and confidence.

Who Was Lepa Radić?

Lepa Radić was born in Bosnia in 1925. By the time she was just 15, World War II had engulfed her homeland. Instead of shrinking back in fear, she joined the Yugoslav Partisans, a resistance movement fighting Nazi occupation.

Her role included:

Delivering supplies and secret messages
Helping civilians escape from danger
Supporting partisan fighters with courage beyond her years

In February 1943, during the Battle of Neretva, she was captured by German forces. After torture and interrogation, she was offered a deal: freedom in exchange for betraying her comrades.

Her answer shook her captors:

“I am not a traitor of my people. Those whom you are asking about will reveal themselves when they have succeeded in wiping out all you evildoers, to the last man.”

At just 17 years old, she was hanged. But her courage has echoed across generations.

Lessons for Christians Today

Why should her story matter to us in the church? Because what Lepa showed in her stand for her people is the same courage we need when standing for Jesus today.

Faith requires courage
Like Lepa, we face choices daily. They may not be as extreme as execution, but they come in the form of ridicule, rejection, or compromise. Will we remain faithful?
Integrity matters
She refused to betray her people. Likewise, believers must never betray Christ—whether for comfort, acceptance, or material gain.
Courage is contagious
Lepa’s bravery inspired countless others. When we boldly live out our faith, we encourage other believers to do the same.

Practical Ways to Stand Up for Jesus

Standing up for Jesus doesn’t always mean martyrdom. It means courage in everyday life:

At work: Live out biblical values, even when colleagues disagree.
At home: Lead your family in prayer and godly example, even when others neglect it.
In trials: Trust God when sickness, loss, or persecution comes instead of giving in to fear.
In society: Speak truth with love. Refuse to compromise biblical convictions for temporary approval.

Ask yourself: If a teenage girl with no worldly power could face death with courage, what excuse do I have when facing smaller tests of faith?

Biblical Foundation

Jesus made it clear:

“Whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny before My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:33)
“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)

Courage in Christ is not about being fearless—it’s about trusting Him despite our fears.

The story of Lepa Radić, the teenage girl who stood up to the Nazis, is more than history—it is a sermon to the church today. If she could face death rather than betray her people, we must face life’s challenges without betraying Jesus.

Church, courage is not dead. It lives in us when we choose faith over fear, conviction over compromise, and Christ over comfort. Let us stand up for Jesus today with courage, confidence, and an unshakable faith that leads to eternal life.

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