Be BOLD!

^™

BE BOLD!

This

truth is so obvious in Scripture that it should not need explanation, but our life experience comes far short of practicing the freedom of a bold life-style.

For instance the Bible says –

in the Old Testament:	"Be strong and take heart – all who hope in the Lord" (Ps.31:24)
in the New Testament:	"Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong" (I Cor.16:13)

Courageous or bold living is not harsh or aggressive!

Love

produces boldness!

Whereas aggression expresses anger, Christian boldness is the impact of love.

This love is not shy. This love is not defensive toward others, for real love is preoccupied with the welfare of others.

It is therefore outgoing – out-flowing (Jn.7:37-39). Boldness is its natural fruit, as demonstrated in the behaviour of Jesus. This is the untrammelled freedom of a selfless concern for others.

Too often the fear of others' opinions neutralizes us and bottlenecks or even blocks God's Spirit from working through us.

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear,
because fear has to do with punishment.
The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

"God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."

I John 4:18

II Timothy 1:7

Boldness

is the face of faith!

Timidity (and any other form of fear) is unbelief. Faith that is unwilling to be at risk is a weak faith. To Peter, trust or faith meant stepping out onto the unstable water. The special quality that allowed God to use him in greater measure than other apostles was not his greater faithfulness, or greater humility. It was his boldness, even if he botched it up at times!

In the parable of prayer Jesus said:

"...because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs"

Luke 11:8.

if Jesus instructed us to be bold in our approach to God Himself, then how-much-more are we not to be bold toward any finite being – bold toward everyone! Whatever we do must not have an uncertain sound.

For instance, when it comes to a speaking ministry in the church, no matter how we may feel, we are commanded to speak –

"as the oracles of God"

I Peter 4:10.

The early church was so aware of their Lord's view in this regard that when seriously threatened and feeling very vulnerable their united prayer was –

"Now, Lord, consider their threats and

enable your servants to speak the word with great boldness."

Acts 4:29.

Paul's helper, Titus, is sent out with firm instructions to –

"...encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you."

Titus 2:15.

Now,

evaluate your own behaviour. How do you usually act when passing total strangers? How does boldness behave? Our Master challenged us –

"if you only greet your brothers, what are you doing more than others?
Do not even pagans do that?"

Matthews 5:47.

And Jesus spoke of greeting the unknown in the context of loving-our-enemies. Plainly then, the attitude of other people must not be allowed to intimidate us. Is it so strange a thing to you to spontaneously greet persons whom you know nothing of? In the face of our often intimidating circumstances today, the Lord still asks –

"Why are you timid, you men of little faith?"

Matthews 8:26.

Love – the product of God's healing grace – gives a boldness of spirit that changes our manner of communication with both God and this world.

"Let us therefore come with boldness to the Throne of grace"

Hebrews 4:16

And

how much more then toward this world!

NEXT

2. -- BE ON YOUR GUARD

3. -- DO NOT TRUST

4. -- LIVE TRANSPARENTLY

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