True Christianity demands courage. It is not easy to stand against the crowd or to obey God rather than men, as fear of intimidation and persecution often holds us back. Yet, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Perfect love casts out fear, for fear involves torment, and those who fear have not yet been made perfect in love. As we practice extending ourselves in love to others, the fear of loss, suffering, or rejection begins to lessen. Our confidence in God's truth grows until we become bold. Christ warns that the cowardly will have their part in the lake of fire, placing fear among grave sins. The righteous are bold as a lion, and we are called to let our light shine by boldly standing up for God's truth, knowing that God hears the righteous and we are not alone.

Bravery or courage is a character trait Christians need to possess. As Psalm 31:24 declares, Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD. Paul encourages the Corinthians to watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, and be strong during their walk with God. Solomon tells us that the righteous are bold as a lion. Throughout the years of our calling, we need a brave heart to overcome sin, temptations, trials, and afflictions. Even now, we may face minor persecutions from family, friends, employers, and neighbors who do not understand our beliefs or want to force us to compromise. The toughest times are still before us, and they will require a brave and steadfast heart. To make it through these increasingly troublesome times, we will need a close, trusting relationship with God, for it is from Him that true courage comes. Paul tells Timothy that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Knowing that the battle is not ours alone should instill great boldness in us. God proclaims in Revelation 21:8 that the cowardly will not be in His Kingdom. In order to ensure we have the necessary courage, the boldness God requires, we must seek Him and ask Him to put a brave heart in us just as He did with many other saints in times past. Whether we live through the great troubles of the end time or die in martyrdom for our cause, we need to testify before the world of God's way with a brave heart.

Boldness is presented as an attribute closely related to confidence in faith. It serves as the outward expression of faith and enables believers to approach God confidently. In the book of Hebrews believers are encouraged to enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus boldly which is translated as confidence. This boldness is not faith itself but the application of faith in presenting oneself before God. It supports good works as an expression of faith and is a gift from God's Spirit. Godly boldness differs from worldly self-confidence rooted in pride as it stems from strength in faith from God. Examples include Esther's confident yet humble approach to the king and the woman with the issue of blood who confidently reached out in faith. Ultimately one should boldly come before the throne of grace with a contrite heart.

God designed human life with the possibility of facing trying times, yet He has not given a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. This spirit of power enables fulfillment of responsibility to God with boldness. The spirit of power allows the most timid person to receive strength over all things, even death, as seen when the apostles faced authorities, persecution, and death after receiving it. The power of God's Spirit enables the bold declaration that there is no need to fear. God will not leave or forsake those who revere and obey Him until He has finished the work He has in mind. All who revere and obey God receive the promise that He will never leave or forsake them. Even the most uneducated and nervous receive a sound mind and sound wisdom to be true witnesses. When stressful times arise, God provides what to say and do. For some temperaments God provides more self-control and restraint than for others. The spirit of love removes self-concern by focusing on others and on God, dispelling anxiety that arises from self-interest. A sound mind provides self-control, discipline, and good judgment as the antidote to fear. Those prone to anxiety because of timid fear of uncertainty must stir up the gift of God already given. This leads to moving forward unafraid, living in the present and ready for what lies ahead with the single desire to glorify God. The God who called sustains, and the God who began the work completes it.

Boldness in the life of a believer flows from full commitment to the gospel of Christ and produces the ability to stand without shame. This boldness is Spirit-given and enables open witness for Christ as well as confident approach to God in prayer. Paul demonstrated such boldness by serving without shame even when treated as foolish and disgraced, relying on the power of God rather than personal courage. He urged others to submit to that same power, share suffering, hold fast in faithful trust, and dedicate life to God so that boldness would remain under pressure. Peter likewise encouraged believers to suffer willingly with fellow saints when God's way is attacked, knowing that Christ is not ashamed to call the sanctified His brothers and sisters. In every circumstance the goal remains that Christ be magnified, whether through continued life or through death. Those who abide in Christ by practicing righteousness maintain this boldness and therefore look forward to His return with assurance rather than shrinking back. The faithful who trust God are never put to shame; instead they are delivered and welcomed by the One they have not denied. Boldness therefore consists of steady conviction that replaces mere preference, allowing every part of life to honor God without embarrassment or hesitation.

Jesus promises His disciples peace in concert with receiving God's Spirit. This peace allows believers to be bold in their convictions because it is real and present. The opposite of peace is fear. Believers can have boldness and put down fear if they have God's peace. The peace He gives allows them to be steady and courageous no matter what the outward circumstances.