Which of the following words would you choose to describe yourself or would like others to describe you: generous, bold, fearful, sincere, selfless, kind, self-centred?
There are some words we'd hope aren't associated with us and others we wouldn't even think of choosing. Whatever you're personality, as a Christian, bold is one characteristic that should make your list.
Even if you're timid in everyday situations, prefer intimate gatherings to crowded get-togethers and only have a small group of friends, you can still be bold for Christ. And you should not just have the ability to be, you need to be.
Now, this doesn't mean that you have to suddenly start physically screaming out news of how He saves people from your office window or wherever you're reading this from. Bold doesn't have to mean brash. Remember 1 Peter 3:15: "But in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Being bold does require that you overcome awkwardness and realise there are risks, but do your duty regardless.
We all have different personality types and not every person will immediately identify with boldness. However, if you've dared to be different by talking about how Jesus helped you get through troubled times to a friend or stranger who didn't believe, reached out to someone who was alone or outcast, or acted in any manner of ways as an ambassador for Christ, then you have already shown boldness.
The Bible verses below should help you to learn to love your boldness. And if you're not as bold as you need to be, then they'll provide motivation as you work on becoming bold for Christ and help teach you what it means to be bold in a biblical sense.
Acts 28:30-31 — "For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!"
Ephesians 3:12 — "In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence."
Proverbs 28:1 — "The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion."
2 Corinthians 3:12 — "Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold."
Ephesians 6:19 — "Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel."
Acts 4:13 — "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realised that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus."
2 Timothy 1:6-7 — "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."
