Have you ever stood in line for a huge and somewhat scary-looking roller coaster, wondering if you should back out before it’s your turn? Then a friend hops off smiling and says, “Seriously, it wasn’t that bad. You’ll love it!” Suddenly, your heart isn’t racing quite as fast. Someone else went first. And because they did, the ride doesn’t seem nearly as scary.

Your friend gave you a gift: the gift of going first. It’s the gift of being the first to make a move that gives someone else the courage to make one too. It’s the gift of contagious courage. The Bible is full of stories about ordinary people who chose to go first. But one of my favorite “going first” stories is about Peter.

You may know the story. It’s found in Matthew 14:28-31. The disciples are on a boat in the middle of a fierce storm when Jesus appears, walking on the water. Peter recognizes Him as Lord, climbs out of the boat, and takes courageous steps onto the turbulent waves. Peter was the first disciple to step out of the boat. His courageous faith has inspired believers ever since to trust Jesus and take faith-filled first steps, even when life feels uncertain.

But Peter’s courage began with Jesus. Peter could go first because Jesus went first for him. Jesus is our greatest example—and our greatest reason. Jesus loved us first, so we can love others out of that love (1 John 4:19). We don’t have to wait for someone else to make the first move because Jesus already made the first move toward us. Since we’ve been loved first, we can love first. Since we’ve been forgiven first, we can forgive first. Since He stepped toward us, we can step toward others. So let’s bring that love—those courageous, walk-on-the-water-type steps—into our schools, sports, and homes. How?

Be the first person to apologize.

The first person to stop gossiping.

The first person to invite the lonely girl.

The first person to say, “Let’s not do that.”

The first person to pray out loud.

The first person to admit they’re struggling.

The first person to share their faith.

The first person to be vulnerable.

Going first is an act of love. But let’s be honest: going first is also scary. Walking on water first is terrifying (Peter even sank beneath the waves when he took his eyes off Jesus). Loving others before they even love you is nerve-wracking. Why?

Because you risk being rejected.

You risk looking silly.

You risk feeling awkward.

You risk not knowing if anyone else will join you.

But can I tell you the bigger risk of not going first? You miss the opportunity to spread courage. Your one brave step could be exactly what someone else needs to take theirs. The greatest gift your courage can give isn’t proving how brave you are—it’s making bravery feel possible for someone else. When you stop gossiping, others often stop too. When you invite the lonely girl in, others notice—and often follow your lead. When you pray out loud or share your story, you give someone else permission to do the same.

You guys! This kind of contagious courage can completely change the atmosphere of our schools, our locker rooms, and our homes.

It creates the kind of atmosphere where kindness goes first. Forgiveness goes first. Faith goes first. Honesty goes first. Love goes first.

So here’s the challenge: Where can you show contagious courage and make the first move this week? Where can you give the “gift of going first”? Someone in your classroom, on your team, or in your youth group may be waiting for someone to go first. Why couldn’t that someone be you? You never know whose “roller coaster” might feel a little less scary because you went first.