Based on the provided materials, several factors and motives can be identified that explain the veneration experienced by the followers of Christianity.

Sacred Valor: The Spiritual Underpinnings of Christian Veneration

Based on the provided materials, several factors and motives can be identified that explain the veneration experienced by the followers of Christianity.

Firstly, the sacrifice and martyrdom of early Christians played a significant role. The lives and deaths of martyrs were seen as the ultimate proof of fidelity to Christ. As noted in one source:
"At that time, the Church proved its loyalty to Christ with blood. Hundreds of martyrs sacrificed their bodies to be torn apart, yet they refused even the gesture of veneration before a pagan idol. In those times, Tertullian declared, 'the blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church,' and he was right." (source: link txt)

Another material emphasizes that martyrdom is a unique testimony to the truth of faith:
"As we see, the Orthodox understanding of goodness does not arise from blind faith but is based on very serious grounds. Christianity, unlike any other religion in the world, produced such a number of martyrs for its faith that completely rules out the possibility of explaining this unprecedented phenomenon in history by any natural causes." (source: link txt)

Thus, the sacrifice and willingness to give one’s life for faith are perceived by believers not only as a test of personal fidelity but also as a powerful affirmation of the truth of the Christian path. This, in turn, contributes to the veneration of martyrs and the perpetuation of their example in the community’s collective memory.

Secondly, the veneration of saints was based on their personal examples, miraculous events, and testimonies of healings. Believers saw in their lives examples of selfless love and true devotion to God. This is illustrated as follows:
"The veneration of Christian saints arose on the basis of the examples from their lives, which were often accompanied by miracles and healings. Believers sincerely believed that through them they could obtain support and help from God." (source: link txt)

Furthermore, it is noted that saints became role models through their exemplary behavior and demonstration of selfless love:
"The reasons for venerating saints also include their exemplary conduct and the manifestation of selfless love toward others, which made them models for imitation and veneration for other believers." (source: link txt)

This motivation not only inspired believers but also contributed to strengthening the spiritual bonds within the community. The veneration of saints and participation in their feasts fostered the cohesive life of the early Christian community, emphasizing its identity and unity.

Finally, the aspect of inner spiritual experience, underpinned by theological interpretation of Scripture, is important. The teaching of love, the approach to God as a Father, and the rejection of selfish and fear-driven motives in true faith all demonstrate that veneration is not driven by the desire for material gain or avoidance of punishment, but rather has deep spiritual foundations. This is expressed as follows:
"If Christ truly taught that we should serve Him solely out of fear of Gehenna and out of the desire to obtain the Kingdom of Heaven as a reward... But the Lord teaches about love and our filial relationship with God, where there is no place for fear or selfishness." (source: link txt)

Thus, the impetus for veneration lies not so much in the pursuit of material advantages as in the aspiration for spiritual perfection, affirmed by examples of sacrifice, miracles, and profound theological reflection.

Supporting citation(s):
"At that time, the Church proved its loyalty to Christ with blood. Hundreds of martyrs sacrificed their bodies to be torn apart, yet they refused even the gesture of veneration before a pagan idol..." (source: link txt)

"As we see, the Orthodox understanding of goodness does not arise from blind faith but is based on very serious grounds. Christianity, unlike any other religion in the world, produced such a number of martyrs for its faith..." (source: link txt)

"The veneration of Christian saints arose on the basis of the examples from their lives, which were often accompanied by miracles and healings. Believers sincerely believed that through them they could obtain support and help from God." (source: link txt)

"The reasons for venerating saints also include their exemplary conduct and the manifestation of selfless love toward others, which made them models for imitation and veneration for other believers." (source: link txt)

"If Christ truly taught that we should serve Him solely out of fear of Gehenna and out of the desire to obtain the Kingdom of Heaven as a reward... But the Lord teaches about love and our filial relationship with God, where there is no place for fear or selfishness." (source: link txt)