The gospels show Jesus sending his followers into the world to participate in the kingdom. His instructions indicate the need for discernment and courage - these go hand in hand, and learning the balance is a lifelong practice. If you have an unmodulated amount of courage and blunder into situations and people with no discernment, you're more likely to cause harm and see minimal fruit. On the other hand if you are wise and discerning but hesitate to venture into the fray, your gifts will lay dormant and stagnant. I'm imagining that sweet spot of discernment and courage which opens up participation in what God is doing in mending the world. Christians are sent - how will we go? GS