What does it mean to speak boldly?
Is it having hutzpah, or speaking up, or being loud? Does it mean calling things out that seem wrong, or taking a stand for what seems right? In today’s world where everyone is clambering for a voice, it’s important that Believers have context to what is encouraged in the scriptures.
In the Bible, we see references about speaking boldly and should make the connection with what follows.. "to proclaim the gospel (good news) of Jesus the Christ."
The manner in which we make this proclamation comes in vastly different ways. A recent illustration came through my daughter and her husband that gave us opportunity to talk about this topic. They had made some new friends and were visiting with them for the second time. The husbands were working on a home project and the ladies were with the young children as they played. The heart of my daughter and husband were to witness to this other couple.
The scene played out very different in each section of the home. The men were painting a room and after some chit chat topics, my son in law asked the other young man, “Hey, let me ask you a question…what do you feel is really important in life?” He then stayed quiet and allowed the man to consider the question and listened while he worked through his thoughts. Naturally the man then asked Jess the same question in return. Jess had given a lot of thought ahead of time of how to respond and he prepared his heart and mind to share the gospel (good news) of what a life given over to the Lord means for them. He was able to share how being a good husband and father was his priority and how living a life dependent on God and biblical values has changed his life for the good. My favorite part in hearing this story was how Jess shared that he has a place to lay the pressures and concerns of being a provider by depending on God. Without which, he would turn to the vises of the world to help him cope. The young man was eager to hear more and an “open door of opportunity” was provided to share the gospel of salvation and a life following Jesus.
Meanwhile the gals in the other part of the home talked about the kids, hobbies and places to go for fun activities. My daughter shared her reasons for choosing to homeschool and somewhere in the conversation invited her new friend to join them at a fall festival they saw advertised being hosted by a local church. The other mother commented she doesn’t “do church” but thought it was cool they were into God. She shared she considers herself “spiritual” but unsure about all the Jesus stuff. Samantha sensed she wasn’t open to hear the gospel at that moment so continued the conversation in other ways.
As things turned out later in the day, the family did join them at the festival and all had a wonderful time.
Samantha was initially concerned that she didn’t speak boldly enough. After talking it through, we were reminded of a quote that says, “ Preach the gospel.. and when necessary, use words.”
When we think about being bold for the gospel of Jesus, we think about words. Yet often our actions speak louder than words. Samantha and Jess met his young couple in a Home Depot parking lot and could sense they were struggling. Some things needed to be repaired where they lived and they didn’t have the funds to get them fixed. Jess offered to help “so the kids could play together.” And in doing so a door was opened.
Samantha continues to be in touch as the moms share their daily life and questions have found way into their texts and conversations. And this week a question came in if they attend the church where the festival was held and maybe they might join them.
Sometimes our boldness is to simply live our lives as believers without compromise as others watch our actions. At some point words and conversations will come, and they will be much more effective with the actions that were visible and experienced. Boldness comes in making the right choices in daily life no matter who is watching. Boldness even comes in using wisdom to stay silent when words will fall flat and showing compassion instead.
Ok friend, come on.. let’s keep walk’n… we have work to do!
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