Word Study: Bold - Ben and Me

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I recently returned from the 2:1 Conference in Chicago. 2:1 is a conference for homeschool bloggers. Since I blog and homeschool (and have a sweet friend I wanted to visit in Chicago), it was a perfect fit.

The theme for the conference was “Live Boldly.”

I liked the sound of that. I like to think I do that. But I really wasn’t sure. I thought perhaps a study of the word, “bold” might help me determine what exactly it means to live boldly, and whether or not I’m doing that.

If you’re unsure about what it means to do a word study, or why I do them, take a peek back at last week’s post on the word, “attentive.” I explain more there.

So here we go . . .

Today’s word for study is BOLD.

According to the Webster’s 1828:

Bold: adj. — daring; courageous; brave; intrepid; fearless; requiring courage in the execution; confident; standing out to view; striking to the eye

Key Word Definitions:

daring: having courage sufficient for a purpose; challenging; defying

courageous: brave; bold; hardy to encounter difficulties and dangers; adventurous; enterprising

brave: fearless of danger; courageous; bold; daring

intrepid: literally, not trembling or shaking with fear; undaunted

fearless: free from fear; courageous

confident: having full belief; trusting; relying; fully assured.

striking: affecting with strong emotions; forcible; strong; exact; impressive

Bold Defined in My Own Words:

To be bold is to have enough courage for the task at hand. This courage is unshaking and fearless because of there is full assurance, trust and belief in the task. It is daring and impressive, relying on something or someone greater than your fear.

Biblical References:

This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have confidence through our faith in him. (Ephesians 3:11-12)

So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6)

As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. (Philippians 1:20)

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13)

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 God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (1 Timothy 1:6-7)

We were bold in our God to speak to you. (1Thess 2:2)

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

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)

My Thoughts:

The Bible is filled with verses about being bold. I have listed such a small sampling here, but I believe it is clear that we should be bold and why.

As a Christ-follower, I have a story to tell. A testimony of God’s grace and faithfulness to me, a wretched sinner. It can seem a daunting task to share that story with others, and to teach my son to do the same. I asked Ben (age 13) to give me some reasons why it might be difficult for him to share the gospel of Christ with others. This is what he said:

“They might question me and I won’t know the answer.”

“They might make fun of me.”

“I might mess up and tell someone something that’s not true.”

I think Ben shares the same fears that many of us have, even as adults.

But you know what? The Bible tells us we can be bold and fearless — for one reason and one reason only — because we are filled with the Holy Spirit. God has not given us a spirit of fear. What he has given us is His mighty power.

He commands us to be bold and courageous. Because He is with us, we can have the courage to complete the task at hand. We can rely on Him.

So why do we fear anyway?

I think it’s because we do not do our part.

What’s our part?

Having faith. Believing him. Trusting that He will not leave us, and that He does indeed equip us for the journey. Being obedient.

Be bold, friends. Boldness serves an eternal purpose.