The exercise of sound morals and of moral courage in an evil hour is a sure means of healing and liberation. All too often in such circumstances apparent courage is but bravado, a mere pretext of strength and hope; whereas the moral courage which is substantive indicates the presence of spiritual power. The truth that God, divine Principle, is certain and unswerving in fulfilling His divine purpose, constitutes a reasonable basis for facing every belief of temptation, danger, or adversity with genuine fortitude. Isaiah expresses such a conviction where he says (14:24), "The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand."
The rebuke which Mordecai sent to Queen Esther and her wholesome response show the power and blessing contained in morality and courage which reflect the divine. This account in the book of Esther shows how Haman, a favorite of the king of Persia, had tricked the king, Ahasuerus, into giving him power to exterminate the Jews in the kingdom. Esther, who, being an orphan, had been raised by her cousin, Mordecai, was afraid to present the cause of her people to her husband, the king, for fear of her own life. On hearing of this, Mordecai sent her the following needed rebuke (Esth. 4:13, 14): "Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
Then Esther acted according to the moral standard which Mordecai had presented to her by stating the case to the king, thereby saving her people and herself. And Haman became the victim of his own malicious purpose when the king ordered that he be hanged on the gallows he had erected for Mordecai. Surely, no human expedient which Esther might have mistakenly employed could have brought forth such protection.
