What Does it Mean to be Bold for God?
For Christians, acting with boldness is often seen as a virtue. But the concept is easily misunderstood. When boldness is rooted in faith, it becomes a powerful force for good, but too often, fear and hesitation prevent us from taking that first step.
This article explores what the Bible says about boldness and what practical steps you can take to cultivate it in your own life. We’ll focus on key verses that demonstrate how God wants us to live without fear. These include 2 Timothy 1:7, Psalm 138:4, 2 Corinthians 3:9-11, and Proverbs 28:1.
Defining boldness: More than just fearlessness
When we talk about being bold, what do we really mean? It’s important to understand that boldness isn’t just about being fearless or reckless. There’s a right way and a wrong way to be bold.
What boldness isn’t
Boldness isn’t arrogance. It’s not about being disrespectful or disregarding other people’s feelings. It’s not simply a lack of fear, nor is it behaving recklessly.
There’s also a difference between worldly boldness and God-given boldness. Worldly boldness can be self-serving and self-aggrandizing, while God-given boldness is always rooted in love and a desire to serve others.
What true boldness is
True boldness is about confidence, courage, and a willingness to take risks for God’s glory. The Oxford dictionary defines boldness as the “willingness to take risks and act innovatively; confidence or courage.” Merriam-Webster adds “fearless before danger; assured, confident; adventurous, free; and standing out prominently.”
But more than anything, true boldness is rooted in faith, love, and self-discipline. It’s not about a lack of fear, but about trusting God even when you are afraid.
Biblical foundations of boldness
The Bible is full of encouragement to live boldly, and it provides a solid foundation for understanding where true boldness comes from. Here are a few verses that speak to this concept:
2 Timothy 1:7: Power, Love, and Self-Discipline
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
This verse tells us that God’s Spirit empowers us to act with strength, love, and a sound mind, not to be timid. It directly contradicts the spirit of fear that can keep us from being bold.
God-given boldness isn’t about the absence of fear, but about acting courageously even when we’re afraid, empowered by the Spirit.
Psalm 138:4: God Emboldens Us
“When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me.” – Psalm 138:4 NIV
In this verse, David acknowledges that God is the source of his boldness, demonstrating that even great leaders need God’s help to be bold.
Calling on God in prayer is a way to open ourselves to receiving His gift of boldness.
2 Corinthians 3:9-11: The Glory of the New Covenant
“If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts! Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.” – 2 Corinthians 3:9-11 NIV
The new covenant brings righteousness and surpassing glory, leading to boldness. Our hope in Christ empowers us to be bold in our ministry and witness.
Proverbs 28:1: Righteousness and Boldness
“The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” – Proverbs 28:1 NIV
Righteous living fosters boldness, while wickedness breeds fear. Boldness is a characteristic of those who live in accordance with God’s will.
Practical Steps to Cultivate God-Given Boldness
So, how do we get this boldness the Bible talks about? It’s not something we conjure up on our own. True, lasting boldness comes from God. Here are some practical steps to cultivate it:
Pray Confident and Specific Prayers
Prayer isn’t just a religious ritual; it’s a direct connection to God, the ultimate source of courage. When we pray, we’re tapping into His power. But don’t just offer vague, general requests. Be specific! Identify those situations where you need boldness and ask God for it, believing that He will answer.
Carry God’s Promises with You
God’s Word is filled with promises – assurances of His presence, provision, and protection. These promises are a source of incredible strength and confidence. Find scriptures that speak directly to your needs and challenges. Memorize them, meditate on them, and carry them in your heart and mind like a shield. When fear creeps in, fight back with the truth of God’s Word.
Take Secret Steps of Faith
Boldness isn’t always about grand, public gestures. Sometimes, it’s about taking small, private “secret steps of faith” that build confidence over time. What does that look like? Maybe it’s praying for someone anonymously, giving a small gift in secret, or speaking kindly to someone you find difficult. These acts of obedience, though unseen by others, strengthen your faith and pave the way for greater boldness.
Catalogue and Celebrate Blessings
It’s easy to get caught up in our fears and anxieties, but gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have – and more importantly, to the One who provides it all. Keep a record of God’s blessings in your life. Write down answered prayers, acts of kindness, and moments of grace. Regularly reflect on God’s faithfulness. Remembering His past provision builds faith for the future and reminds you that He is always with you, ready to empower you with boldness.
Examples of boldness in action
The Bible is full of examples of people who acted with tremendous boldness, often in the face of great danger.
The disciples in Acts
One of the most well-known examples of boldness comes from the book of Acts, when Peter and John stood before the Sanhedrin. Acts 4:13 says the Sanhedrin was astonished by Peter and John’s boldness, especially since they knew them to be “unschooled, ordinary men.”
The Sanhedrin realized that their boldness came from having been with Jesus and being filled with the Holy Spirit.
In Acts 4:31, the believers prayed for boldness, and the place where they were meeting was shaken. They were then filled with the Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
These passages show the power of prayer and the filling of the Spirit in fostering boldness.
Other biblical examples
Many other figures in the Bible demonstrated boldness, including:
- Esther, who risked her life to approach the king on behalf of her people
- Daniel, who continued to pray even when doing so was against the law
- Paul, who preached the gospel even when he was persecuted and imprisoned
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a powerful verse in the Bible?
That’s a tough one, as power is subjective. For some, it’s John 3:16, highlighting God’s love. For others, it might be Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” emphasizing strength in faith. Ultimately, a powerful verse depends on what resonates with you personally.
What Bible verse says “be bold”?
While there isn’t one single verse that explicitly says “be bold,” Joshua 1:9 comes close: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” It encourages strength and courage in the face of fear.
What Bible verse says come boldly?
Hebrews 4:16 is the verse you’re likely thinking of: “Let us then 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.” It encourages us to approach God’s throne with boldness and confidence, seeking grace and mercy.
What verse is filled with boldness?
Acts 4:13 is brimming with boldness: “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” This verse shows the impact of faith and the boldness it inspires, even in ordinary individuals.
The Bottom Line
Remember, boldness isn’t just for a select few; it’s a gift God offers to all believers. It’s not a personality trait you’re born with, but a power you can cultivate.
So, how do you grow in boldness? Start by praying for it. Carry God’s promises close to your heart. Take small, secret steps of faith, even when you’re scared. And celebrate every blessing, big or small, as a sign of God’s faithfulness.
I challenge you to identify one area in your life where you need to be bolder. What step of faith can you take today? Don’t let fear hold you back from embracing the potential God has placed within you.
May God bless you with courage and boldness to live out His purpose for your life. Amen.