BE BOLD!

24th JANUARY 2022

“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness” – Acts 4:31

 

Many of us are not quite sure about what bold means. Boldness is the courage to act or speak fearlessly, despite real or imagined dangers. When a person acts boldly, they take action regardless of risks. Boldness is not rashness. Boldness empowers someone to do or speak what is necessary, despite the possibility of a negative outcome. 

As believers, we need boldness to defend the faith that we profess. Therefore, it is good to be bold and stand up for what you believe in, which falls on all squares with the Scripture. When we are consistently courageous in defending the faith, we are helping to spread the gospel that sets humanity free from disease, ignorance and poverty. Also, boldness gives us the inner strength to move doggedly towards fulfilling our set goals and objectives. You cannot take a business risk without boldness, and you cannot face failure. Furthermore, you need boldness to accept the truth and speak the truth.

Nevertheless, when you act boldly, you’re taking some risk; you could be risking physical danger, embarrassment, or your reputation. But what matters, in the end, is the positive outcome arising from showing boldness at the right time.

Boldness is the first characteristic the Holy Spirit imparted on the Apostles and made them fearless to preach the gospel. God gives us boldness when our objective is to obey and glorify Him with it. Spiritual boldness pursues the truth, works to destroy lies and error, and speaks what is right regardless of how terrifying such action may be. 

But worldly boldness is stupid can become pushy or aggressive. It thrives on widespread approval and often ignores caution or sensitivity. It makes people ask us, “What were you thinking?” Therefore, we should not be bold in doing evil, accepting dares, or crossing boundaries to prove we can. Boldness without discernment can lead to foolish words and risky behaviour. Therefore, be wise!

Proverbs 28:1 says, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. When we are convinced that our message is life-giving and eternal, we can speak with boldness, knowing that God will use it to impact our world (Isaiah 55:10–11)

PRAYER

In the name of Jesus Christ, Father grant me the power to pray as Paul did that I mayest receive a supernatural boldness to speak and live as you would have me do. AMEN.

FURTHER READING: Proverbs 11:22; 2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 13:6