Boldness. It’s a word we hear often, but one that’s frequently misunderstood. In the Christian faith, boldness is a vital characteristic, yet it’s not about arrogance or aggression. So, what is it?
True boldness, or Godly boldness, is more than just courage and confidence. It’s courage and confidence rooted in faith, love, and a deep conviction in God’s promises. It’s not about pushing your own agenda, but about stepping out in faith to do what God has called you to do, even when it’s scary.
This article explores what the Bible has to say about boldness and offers some practical ways to cultivate that Godly boldness in your own life. Let’s dive into some scriptures for boldness and see how we can apply them today.
Defining Boldness: More Than Just Fearlessness
When we talk about boldness, what do we really mean? It’s more than simply being unafraid. It’s about acting with courage and confidence, even when risks are involved.
What is Boldness?
Dictionaries define boldness as a willingness to take risks, act innovatively, and display confidence or courage. Merriam-Webster adds that boldness can mean being fearless in the face of danger, self-assured, adventurous, and standing out in a crowd. Boldness can also mean audacity, or a willingness to break the rules.
Boldness can be a positive trait when it’s guided by God. But without divine guidance, boldness can turn into arrogance or disrespect.
Godly Boldness vs. Worldly Boldness
Godly boldness comes from love, protection, and knowing who you are in Christ. It’s not about the absence of fear, but about acting in faith despite your fear.
Worldly boldness, on the other hand, may be driven by ego or self-interest. It often lacks the foundation of love and self-discipline that characterizes godly boldness.
Biblical Foundations for Boldness
The Bible is full of examples of people who acted with tremendous courage and boldness. Here are a few passages that speak directly to the source of that boldness.
2 Timothy 1:7: Power, Love, and Self-Discipline
2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” This verse is a reminder that the Holy Spirit equips believers to push through timidity. When we need boldness, God’s spirit provides the resources we need: power, love, and self-discipline.
Psalm 138:3: God Emboldens Us
Psalm 138:3 says, “When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me.” Here, we see that God answers prayers and empowers believers. Often, boldness comes as a direct result of asking for God’s help.
2 Corinthians 3:12: Boldness Through Righteousness
2 Corinthians 3:12 reads, “Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.” The hope that comes from the ministry of righteousness gives us the courage to live out our faith and act accordingly.
Proverbs 28:1: Righteousness and Boldness
Proverbs 28:1 says, “The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Righteousness gives us a clear conscience, which in turn allows us to act without fear. The righteous have no need to be afraid, so they can act with boldness.
Acts 4:13, 31: Boldness in Speaking the Word
In Acts 4:13 and 4:31, we see the apostles speaking boldly after they had prayed. These passages show us that prayer is a catalyst for boldness, enabling believers to confidently share the gospel.
Practical Steps to Cultivate Godly Boldness
Reading scriptures about boldness is one thing; living them out in your daily life is quite another. Here are some practical steps you can take to start cultivating that kind of God-given boldness.
Pray Confident, Specific, and Consistent Prayers
Prayer is foundational to developing boldness. But not just any prayer. Your prayers should be confident, specific, and consistent. Pray with the sure knowledge that God hears you and wants to answer. Be specific about what you need, and don’t give up! Keep praying until you see results.
For example, pray for opportunities to share your faith, even if it feels scary. Ask God to remove your fear and replace it with His courage. Pray for the right words to say and for open hearts to receive them.
Carry God’s Promises with You
God’s promises are powerful! They build faith and confidence in Him. Identify key promises related to strength, protection, and guidance. Find scriptures that speak to your specific fears and insecurities.
Write these promises down on index cards and carry them with you. Memorize them and recite them daily. The more you meditate on God’s promises, the more deeply they will sink into your heart, reinforcing your faith and bolstering your boldness.
Take Secret Steps of Faith
Think of “secret steps of faith” as small, personal acts of courage that stretch your faith muscles. These are things you do quietly, without seeking recognition or praise, simply because you know it’s the right thing to do.
Maybe it’s speaking up for someone who is being mistreated, even when it’s uncomfortable. Or perhaps it’s sharing your testimony with a stranger, despite your fear of judgment. These small acts of courage, done in secret, will build your boldness in ways you can’t imagine.
Catalogue and Celebrate Blessings
Gratitude fosters boldness. When we recognize God’s blessings in our lives, we build confidence in His provision and His faithfulness. It’s harder to be fearful when you’re focused on all the good things God has already done.
Keep a gratitude journal and write down the blessings you receive each day, both big and small. Share your blessings with others, and encourage them to recognize God’s hand in their lives as well. Celebrating God’s goodness will fill you with a sense of boldness and expectancy for the future.
Wrapping Up
Cultivating Godly boldness is essential for living out our faith confidently and courageously. It’s not about being brash or arrogant; it’s about trusting in God’s power and acting on His calling, even when it feels difficult or scary.
So, how do we grow in boldness? We pray, constantly seeking God’s guidance and strength. We carry God’s promises with us, reminding ourselves of His faithfulness. We take steps of faith, even small ones, trusting that God will guide our path. And we celebrate the blessings we receive along the way, acknowledging God’s hand in our lives.
I encourage you to actively pursue a life of boldness, rooted in faith and love. Where in your life can you begin to act more boldly? Maybe it’s sharing your faith with a friend, standing up for what’s right at work, or pursuing a dream you’ve always had. Godly boldness has the power to transform our lives and the lives of those around us, leading to a more fulfilling and impactful Christian life.