For as long as I can remember my dad has told me to be gentle and bold. A concept that for so long made no sense to me, the idea of being both gentle and bold seemed to clash not go together. I've talked about this before, but it is a concept I hope everyone will begin to understand. Gentle simply means being free from harshness, sternness or malice and bold means to show an ability to take risks, being confident and courageous.
"Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future." - Ephesians 4:2-4
When you you put these two qualities together you get a beautiful mix, a life full of life. Not long ago I had a conversation with someone about this very idea. When you put these concepts together you get an individual who is confident and kind, an individual who is willing to take risks to live out their faith in a way that conveys strength and joy.
It is my hope that you would understand the importance of this concept. As believers it is our job to spread the gospel message to anyone and everyone. To be a light to everyone we come in contact with. That we would be the hands and feet of Jesus here on earth.
"And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are preformed through the name of your holy servant Jesus. 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 4:29-31
I love this passage, it reminds me that when we step out boldly in faith and allow God to use us and speak through us anything is possible. I would encourage you to read the entire chapter of Acts 4, it is filled with wisdom and an amazing story of the might of our God. I love that at the end of this passage we see an entire group of individuals being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Walking out their faith in boldness and living a life that is gentle and full of life. Being the salt and light of the earth. Scripture tells us we are like a city set on a hill, shinning bright for everyone to see. It is a prayer of mine that we would live lives so full and grace and mercy, that we would humbly and gently walk out our faith and share with boldness who our God is!
"I choose gentleness... Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.” - Max Lucado
No matter what may be happening in the world around us remember that you never walk alone and you have so much to offer this world. You are worth more than gold and precious pearls, as a child of the most high you have so much to offer the world. When other look at you I hope they see an individual that is changed, someone who lives gently and bold. An individual who knows who they are and whose they are. That they would see Christ in you, the hope of glory!
I'm finally beginning to understand what my dad meant when he told me to be gentle and bold and I hope you let this concept sink in and begin to understand it as well. I've said this in the past, but I only repeat it because I really want you all to understand that you can be gentle and kind while still boldly standing firm in your faith and being vocal about what you believe.
"Being gentle does not mean you don't stand up for what you believe and be bold and vocal about your values. It simply means you show kindness, love and respect to those around you as you stand up."
I have a challenge for you this week - take some time to think about this concept of being gentle and bold and how you can apply it to your own life.
You have a uniqueness that makes you who you are, there is no one else just like you! Be you and know you are always enough. Live gentle and bold and be you.
Much Love,
Alianna