BOLD….
This word continues to flash before my eyes. I can’t escape it. Almost as if God is whispering it to me over and over. I keep asking myself why God keeps revealing this word to me. I pray on it, meditate over it and try to apply it to my life. The problem is, I’m not allowing God to work it out in me and through me.
Here’s what I know…
God desires for us to live lives that are bold in faith and dependence on Him. He doesn’t expect us to naturally have boldness. He gives it to us through His Spirit. It’s not a skill or attribute we naturally have. It’s hard to be bold.
Some people think boldness means the same as bluntness and brutal honesty. I’m here to tell you, it’s not. At least not in the way God intends it to be. While being blunt and forthright with people is sometimes necessary (and something I shy away from most often), it’s not always needed. Saying whatever pops into our minds often leads to hurt and complications with people. I’d rather stay quiet and introverted, than possibly hurt someone.
God wants us to use a filter when we speak. The filter of His truth. We have many examples in the New Testament of Jesus speaking freely. He was sometimes blunt with people (when NEEDED), but ALWAYS loving. He spoke the truth and only the truth. He told people to turn from their sinful ways and made them first recognize their sinful nature. He had good intentions and motives for the things He said. His words had a purpose. Do ours’?
I know many times we start speaking and don’t think about our words first. We get emotionally charged and let our thoughts speak out loud, instead of letting the Holy Spirit do the editing. It’s easier to just say anything and everything you want. It takes more effort and practice to speak with thoughtfulness and good intention. I don’t think that’s a good enough reason not to do it, however. The things we work harder for, are the things that bring us the most joy. I think the harder we work to speak words of boldness (love, kindness, truth), the better our outcome.
The struggle is Real
As an introvert, speaking boldly is definitely not something I’m able to do well or easily. I know I need God’s strength and encouragement. I’ve learned that in those moments where I’m scared to death of speaking in front of others or saying the wrong things, I’ve turned to God and prayed for His strength and His words. Not mine.
It’s in those moments where I’m most uncomfortable and outside of my comfort zone, that I see God show up the most. He leads me when I ask. That’s all He wants from any of us…a reliance on His strength, His power and His wisdom. NONE of us are capable to do everything on our own, even when we feel we’re invincible.
As I learn more about God’s faithfulness, I’m learning to become more bold. Even though it’s uncomfortable most of the time. I’m not more comfortable being bold on my own. I’m more comfortable giving those moments of fear and insecurity to God.
Wrong Kind of Bold
Our society right now is probably the most outspoken and blunt it’s ever been. Don’t mistake that for boldness. I don’t think rioting, hurting others with words and actions, protesting every feeling we have and lashing out against those with a different opinion is being bold. In fact, I believe it’s just the opposite.
I think most of us are afraid. We’re afraid to step up and boldly proclaim the name of our Lord. We’re afraid to be more like Jesus. We’re afraid to be bold in our faith. I know these are big struggles for me, anyway.
I don’t think we have to disagree openly on every subject. Ranting on social media is not boldness. Arguing with everyone who has a different opinion is not boldness. Judging those that are lost is not boldness. Boldness is befriending those most different than us.
Our Perfect Example
Jesus did just that, over and over again. He spent just as much time with the unbelievers, thieves, adulterers, criminals and so on, as those that followed Him wholeheartedly.
How can we make a difference if we only spend time with those who think and act just like us? It takes boldness to reach out to people most different than ourselves. It takes boldness to love EVERYONE, no matter how much you might dislike them or their lifestyle.
Jesus doesn’t command us to only love some people. His Word says, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34) God doesn’t have a checklist for us to use to see who we should and shouldn’t love. He just tells us to love one another. ALL others.
We don’t need to force our opinions or beliefs down each other’s throats. That’s not helpful or bold. What’s bold, is loving others unconditionally and showing the love of Jesus through our actions and words. This will bring about more change than speaking every thought we have.
“Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding.” -Proverbs 10:13a (NIV)
Maybe being bold isn’t something everyone struggles with, but I know I sure do. My mission this year has been to have more boldness. I want my boldness to be a direct reflection of God and draw others nearer to Him. I will wear it across my heart and pray regularly to God for guidance with how I present it.
I pray that all of you will be bolder as well. The right kind of bolder. That we can all live together in a world with more boldness, love and positivity. That as believers, we will boldly draw others towards Christ.
Brittany
Thank you for taking the time to share your heart ! I pray that as you continue. God will guide your heart , and continue filling your heart with joy and light as it spills into other lives . I’m so glad that you have started this blog ! Cheers with my coffee in hand 😍☕
groundsandgrace.com
Thank you so much, Brittany! I appreciate your sweet feedback and prayers! I’m so glad you like the blog. 🙂