Overview:
In a personal reflection on spiritual growth, Dr. Shewanda Riley explores the concept of "holy boldness" through the lens of biblical principles. Drawing from her own experiences with unfair criticism, Riley argues that true boldness often manifests as disciplined silence rather than defensive speech. By referencing scripture and her eventual reconciliation with an accuser, she demonstrates that obedience to God's guidance provides greater strength than retaliatory action.
“Please God! Let me say something to defend myself!” is what poured out of my heart as I prayed before going into what I knew would be a difficult meeting a few years ago. Based on what was said to me before the meeting, I knew that the invitation for me to attend was not to celebrate me but to criticize the work that I had been doing. Yet when I prayed on how to respond, all I heard in my spirit was “Hold your peace.”
“Hold my peace?” I thought. How in the world do I hold my peace when I know that I will be lied on? This was another one of those times when I did not agree with or even understand. However, I obeyed…. but it was hard. Even though I knew I could have boldly defended myself, I did not understand until recently the lesson that God was teaching me back then about holy boldness.
Boldness is part of our spiritual DNA as Christians. According to Strong’s Concordance, the Greek word for boldness as it is mentioned periodically in the bible is parrhesia. This means to speak without ambiguity and plainly; the absence of fear in speaking boldly; confidence and cheerful courage.
Boldness is connected to our “doing” and not just our “being” as Christians. Acts 14:3 illustrates this when it describes Paul and Barnabas as” speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.” Instead of just being content just “being” Christians, they took it one step further and actively sought to convert others. As confirmation of their faith, God allowed miracles and wonders. Also, boldness comes from the freedom in knowing who you are in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:12, 17 reminds us of this freedom.
Furthermore, boldness sometimes requires that we let our faith (and not our mouth) do the talking. Philemon 1:7-9 says:
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people. Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love.
Here, we are reminded that though it may sometimes be easier to say something, often we are challenged to be mature and remain silent. As he remained silent on the cross, Jesus was the perfect example of how much strength holy boldness takes.
For many of us, boldness means that we tell people off, set them “straight” and give them a piece of our minds. We dismiss these moments with the phrase “That’s just how I am.” What I’ve learned through that experience at that meeting a few years ago was that holy boldness differs from boldness. It was bolder for me to hold my peace than to give that one good piece of my mind away by attacking the ones who attacked me. My silence set me apart more than the words that I could have said.
Years later, one of the people that was in that meeting apologized for how she’d treated me and the unkind things she’d said about me. Had I responded to her with the same pettiness years ago, she might not have ever felt comfortable apologizing. Holy boldness is rooted in your ability to hear and be obedient to the presence of God.
Shewanda Riley (Aunt Wanda), PhD, is a Fort Worth-based author of “Love Hangover: Moving from Pain to Purpose After a Relationship Ends” and “Writing to the Beat of God’s Heart: A Book of Prayers for Writers.” Email her at preservedbypurpose@gmail.com or follow her on Instagram @shewandawrites. You can also listen to her podcast at www.chocolateauntiepodcast.com.
