What the Bible Says About Boldness
When we talk about “boldness,” we often think of confidence, courage, and a willingness to take risks. But what happens when that boldness isn’t guided by something bigger than ourselves? Without a moral compass, boldness can easily turn into arrogance or even disrespect.
Godly boldness, on the other hand, comes from a deep relationship with God. It’s rooted in love and self-control. It’s not about being fearless, but about having confidence in who you are in Christ. It’s about knowing that you are saved and have a purpose here on Earth.
In this article, we’ll dig into what the Bible says about boldness. We’ll explore key scriptures, insights from pastors, and practical steps you can take to cultivate godly boldness in your own life. We want to help you get to the core of the Bible verse on boldness so you can take action in your own life.
Biblical foundations of boldness: key verses and their meaning
What does the Bible say about boldness? Quite a lot, actually. Here are a few verses that speak to the power and importance of boldness in the life of a believer.
Empowerment through the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is mentioned throughout the New Testament as the source of courage and strength for Christians.
- 2 Timothy 1:7: Overcoming timidity. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” This verse tells us that God doesn’t give us a spirit of fear. Instead, God empowers us with strength, love, and a sound mind.
- Acts 4:31: Boldness after prayer. Acts 4:31 describes the early believers praying and then being filled with the Holy Spirit, and speaking the word of God with boldness. Prayer is essential in receiving boldness from the Holy Spirit. When we pray, we invite God’s presence and power into our lives, enabling us to overcome fear and speak with conviction.
Boldness in proclamation and evangelism
Sharing the gospel can be daunting, but the Bible encourages believers to speak boldly and confidently about their faith.
- Acts 4:13: Recognizing boldness. Acts 4:13 highlights the boldness of Peter and John, noting that others perceived their courage and recognized they had been with Jesus. Boldness isn’t just about what we say, but how we say it. When we speak with conviction and confidence, others can see that we’re acting through faith.
- Ephesians 6:19-20: Praying for utterance. Paul asks for prayer that he may speak boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel (Ephesians 6:19-20). Boldness is essential for effective evangelism. When we pray for boldness, we’re asking God to give us the words to say and the courage to say them.
Accessing God’s presence with boldness
We can approach God confidently, knowing that He welcomes us with open arms.
- Hebrews 4:16: Approaching the throne of grace. This verse encourages believers to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Boldness allows us to confidently approach God in prayer. We don’t have to be afraid or ashamed to ask for His help.
Boldness rooted in righteousness
Living a life that is pleasing to God gives us the confidence to stand firm in our faith.
- Proverbs 28:1: The righteous are bold. “The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Righteous living fosters boldness. When we strive to live according to God’s Word, we can be confident that He is with us, and we can face any challenge with courage.
Cultivating Godly Boldness: Practical Strategies
So how do you actually become more bold in your faith? Here are some actionable steps you can take to cultivate that godly boldness:
Spiritual Practices
- Prayer: A Foundation for Boldness. Prayer is your direct line to the Source of all boldness.
- Pray every day for the Holy Spirit to empower you with boldness. Don’t just ask in a general way, but pray confidently and specifically about situations where you need courage.
- Scripture: Meditating on God’s Word. God’s word is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). Let it work in you!
- Read, memorize, and meditate on scriptures that speak to boldness and courage. Carry God’s promises with you in your heart and mind.
- Make those scriptures a constant presence in your life. Post them in your home or office. Use them as your phone’s lock screen or your computer’s screensaver. Write down key verses and carry them with you in your wallet or purse. Share these verses with others who need encouragement. Regularly confess these verses through prayer and meditation, speaking them aloud over your life.
- Trust and Faith: Stepping Out. Faith isn’t passive; it requires action.
- Take small, secret steps of faith. Do something that stretches you, even if it’s just a little bit. Spend time envisioning yourself courageously fulfilling God’s purpose for your life. See yourself speaking with boldness, acting with conviction, and making a difference in the world.
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Avoiding Timidity Triggers. Be aware of what drains your courage.
- Identify situations or influences that tend to make you feel timid or fearful, and consciously avoid them.
- Seeking Mentorship. Find someone who embodies the kind of boldness you desire.
- Seek training and mentorship from mature believers who demonstrate godly boldness in their lives. Learn from their example and seek their guidance.
- Reflecting on God’s Faithfulness. Remembering God’s past faithfulness fuels future boldness.
- Keep a catalogue of blessings in your life, and celebrate the times God has come through for you. Journal about times when God gave you boldness in the past, and reflect on how He worked in those situations.
Mindset and Perspective
- Confident Decision-Making. Let God’s word guide your choices.
- When making major decisions, review those boldness bible verses to remind yourself of God’s promises and His power to guide you.
- Worship and Inspiration. Fill your mind with uplifting messages.
- Listen to worship music that stirs your faith and sermons that inspire courage.
- Community Support. You’re not meant to walk this journey alone.
- Join a small group or connect with other believers who can provide support, encouragement, and prayer as you grow in boldness.
Boldness in action: examples and testimonials
What does boldness look like in practice? The Bible and the world around us are full of examples of how courage and faith can transform lives.
Biblical examples of boldness
The Bible offers many examples of individuals who acted with boldness in the face of adversity.
Peter and John before the Sanhedrin
After healing a lame man, the apostles Peter and John were arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. The council, “seeing the boldness of Peter and John, and perceiving that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13, ESV). Despite threats and opposition, Peter and John proclaimed the gospel. Their unwavering faith and courage serve as an example for believers today.
Paul’s missionary journeys
The Apostle Paul faced countless challenges on his missionary journeys, including imprisonment, shipwrecks, and persecution. Yet, he continued to preach the gospel boldly, declaring, “I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24, ESV). Paul’s dedication to spreading the message of Christ is a testament to the power of godly boldness.
Modern-day testimonials of transformed lives
We don’t have to look back 2,000 years to find examples of courage. The world around us is filled with stories of ordinary people who have acted with extraordinary boldness.
- Overcoming addiction: Sharing one’s story of recovery from addiction can inspire others and break the chains of addiction.
- Leaving abusive relationships: It takes great courage to break free from a harmful relationship. Boldness empowers individuals to prioritize their safety and well-being.
- Providing foster care: Opening one’s home to vulnerable children demonstrates compassion and boldness. It’s a tangible expression of love and care for those in need.
- Church planting: Starting a new church requires courage and determination. Overcoming community resistance and building a community of faith takes boldness.
- Resisting peer pressure: Standing up for one’s beliefs in the face of opposition takes boldness. Teens who refuse drugs and alcohol despite peer pressure demonstrate remarkable strength of character.
Summary
Ultimately, godly boldness isn’t about being loud or pushy, but about acting courageously from a place of faith, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide you. To cultivate that kind of boldness, you need to be intentional about prayer and commit to living according to God’s word.
You’re called to live boldly for Christ, trusting in His promises and relying on His strength. When you face challenges and uncertainties, turn to scripture for inspiration and guidance. Let the Bible verses on boldness we’ve explored here remind you of who you are and whose you are.
Remember 2 Timothy 1:7: God hasn’t given you a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and self-discipline. Step out in faith and experience the transformative power of boldness in your life. You may be surprised at what you can accomplish and how God can use you when you let go of fear and embrace the boldness He offers.