What does it mean to be bold?
Boldness is all about taking risks, acting with confidence, and having the courage to try new things. It’s a quality that most people admire and try to cultivate.
But there’s a big difference between worldly boldness and Godly boldness. Worldly boldness, without any guidance, can come across as arrogant or even disrespectful. On the other hand, Godly boldness stems from a relationship with God and is rooted in love and self-control.
So, what does the Bible have to say about boldness? This article explores different perspectives on boldness from the Bible and offers insights and practical tips on how to cultivate that boldness in your own life. We’ll provide specific Bible verses about boldness and give you actionable tips on how to use them in your daily life.
What is boldness, really? Secular vs. Godly
When we talk about boldness, what do we actually mean? Is there a difference between what the world calls “boldness” and what the Bible means when it encourages us to be bold?
Secular definitions of boldness
In the world, boldness is often defined as a willingness to take risks, to be innovative, to be confident and courageous. Synonyms might include “fearless,” “assured,” “adventurous,” and even “audacious.”
But worldly boldness can also have a dark side. Without a moral compass, it can lead to arrogance, a disregard for others, and a lack of ethical principles.
Godly boldness: Rooted in faith and love
Biblical or Godly boldness springs from a relationship with God, and it’s characterized by fierce love and a desire to protect others. It’s not necessarily the absence of fear, but rather a confidence in your identity in Christ.
Even more importantly, Godly boldness is grounded in love and self-control, aligning with the principles outlined in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, which emphasizes patience, kindness, humility, and perseverance.
Biblical Basis for Boldness: Key Scriptures and Their Meanings
The Bible has a lot to say about boldness. Here are a few verses that speak to where true boldness comes from, and what it looks like to live boldly for God.
2 Timothy 1:7: Power, Love, and Self-Discipline
2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” In other words, the Holy Spirit doesn’t make you shy. Instead, God empowers you to live boldly, with love and self-control.
It can be easy to think of boldness as brashness, but the verse makes it clear that Godly boldness is rooted in love and tempered by self-discipline.
Psalm 138:3: God’s Emboldening Response
Psalm 138:3 says, “When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me.” This verse makes it clear that God is the one who emboldens us. He answers our prayers and gives us courage.
Prayer is a key component of living a bold life for Christ. When you pray, you’re inviting God to work in your life and give you the courage you need.
2 Corinthians 3:9-11: The Glory of the New Covenant
2 Corinthians 3:9-11 says, “Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.” This verse tells us that the new covenant gives believers boldness. Because of the surpassing glory of the new covenant, we can approach God with confidence.
The old covenant was based on law, and it brought condemnation. The new covenant is based on grace, and it brings freedom. That freedom empowers us to live boldly.
Proverbs 28:1: Righteousness and Lion-like Boldness
Proverbs 28:1 says, “The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” This verse links righteousness with boldness. When you’re living right, you can be confident like a lion.
A lion is a powerful animal, and the verse suggests that the righteous have a similar kind of inner strength and confidence.
Acts 4:13 & 31: Boldness in Proclamation
In Acts 4:13, we see Peter and John standing before the Sanhedrin, and the Bible says they spoke with boldness. Later, in Acts 4:31, the believers prayed for boldness, and the Holy Spirit filled them.
These verses show us that the Holy Spirit is the source of boldness, and prayer is essential for receiving and maintaining it. When you’re filled with the Spirit and committed to prayer, you can speak the truth with confidence.
Cultivating Godly Boldness: Practical Steps and Strategies
So how can you become more bold in your everyday life? Here are some practices that can help you cultivate godly boldness.
Prayer: Confident and Specific Prayers
Prayer is key to cultivating boldness. Pray every day for the Holy Spirit to empower you with boldness. But don’t just pray in general terms. Pray confidently and specifically. God wants to hear from you!
Bold decision-making often depends on seeking God’s help. For example, you might pray for opportunities to share your faith with a friend or co-worker who needs to hear the good news.
Faith: Trusting God’s Promises
Trusting God and relying on the promises made in the Bible can help you grow in boldness. Carry God’s promises with you and meditate on scriptures about boldness. Spend time envisioning yourself courageously fulfilling God’s purpose.
Boldness is closely linked to courage, confidence, and faith. The more you trust God, the more bold you’ll be.
Action: Taking Steps of Faith
Even small steps of faith can help you build boldness. Take secret steps of faith to start. Step out in faith to share your testimony with someone. It’s important to act on your beliefs.
Take a bold stand for truth and righteousness. Boldness inspires courageous action.
Gratitude: Cataloguing and Celebrating Blessings
Gratitude is another tool that can help you foster boldness. Catalogue and celebrate the blessings in your life. Journal about times God has given you boldness. Recognizing God’s faithfulness in the past can strengthen your faith for future challenges.
Avoiding Timidity Triggers and Seeking Mentorship
Become aware of the situations that diminish your boldness and try to avoid them. Seek training and mentorship from mature believers who can encourage you.
Boldness in Action: Examples from Scripture and Modern Life
The Bible is full of people who lived boldly in the face of ridicule, danger, and even death. And we see examples of that same kind of courage today.
Biblical Examples of Boldness
Think of the apostles, who traveled far and wide to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Even though they were threatened, beaten, and imprisoned, they never wavered in their mission.
Peter and John are great examples. When they were brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, they didn’t back down. Even though they were just ordinary fishermen, they spoke with such authority that the council was amazed (Acts 4).
Stephen, too, showed incredible boldness. When he was accused of blasphemy, he didn’t try to save his own skin. Instead, he delivered a powerful speech defending his faith, even though he knew it would cost him his life (Acts 7).
Modern-Day Examples of Boldness
Boldness isn’t just something we read about in the Bible. It’s something we see in everyday life, too. Consider:
- A man who struggled with addiction, standing up in front of his church to share his story. That kind of vulnerability can inspire others to get help.
- A young woman leaving an abusive relationship. It takes immense courage and faith to break free from that kind of situation.
- A family opening their home to foster children. That’s a powerful act of compassion and service.
- A small group of people starting a new church in a community that doesn’t want them there. It takes a lot of perseverance and dedication to overcome that kind of adversity.
- Teenagers standing up to peer pressure and refusing to use drugs or alcohol. That’s standing firm in your convictions.
Personal Testimony and the Transformative Power of Boldness
Think about times when you’ve had to be bold. What impact did it have on your life? On the lives of others? Sometimes, taking a stand for what you believe in can be scary, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. When we step out in faith, God can use us in amazing ways.
Overcoming obstacles to boldness: Fear, doubt, and persecution
Even if you’re committed to living a bold life, you may face challenges along the way. Fear, doubt, and persecution are common roadblocks to a life of faith.
Addressing fear and doubt
It’s normal to feel fear and doubt when you’re stepping outside your comfort zone, but you can learn to face those feelings head-on. Prayer, scripture memorization, and focusing on God’s promises can help you push past your worries. Replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations is also a good strategy for managing fear and uncertainty.
Facing persecution with boldness
Some people may not like it when you live boldly for Christ, and you may even face persecution. Remember that God is with you and will never leave you. Focus on the eternal rewards of faithfulness, and don’t let the fear of persecution keep you from living out your faith.
Boldness as a witness
Your bold actions can inspire others to seek God. When you live a life of faith, you’re not just proclaiming the gospel but also living it out in your daily life. Your lifestyle becomes a testament to the power of God, and your boldness can encourage others to take a closer look at their own spiritual journey.
Final Thoughts
The Bible makes it clear: If you want to live a full Christian life, you need to be bold. Scripture calls on believers to live boldly for Christ, and it assures us that the Holy Spirit will empower us to proclaim the Gospel with boldness.
But how do you cultivate that kind of boldness? It’s a process that requires spiritual maturity, intentional prayer, and a healthy dose of wisdom. It means seeking God’s will, trusting in His promises, and stepping out in faith even when you’re afraid.
So, I encourage you: Embrace a life of boldness. Don’t let fear hold you back from pursuing God’s calling. Remember that He is with you, equipping you and empowering you to live boldly for His glory. Take that step of faith. Speak that word of truth. Share the Good News. You may be surprised by what God can do through you when you dare to be bold.