Boldness and Grace

Speaking with Love and Confidence

Courage in Conversation: Finding Strength in 2 Corinthians 10:1 

In 2 Corinthians 10:1, Paul’s statement—“I, Paul, am 'timid' when face to face with you, but 'bold' when away”—reveals a vulnerability that is both relatable and instructive. Paul, though a bold preacher of the gospel, experienced hesitation and a sense of intimidation when engaging in face-to-face confrontations, a sentiment many of us share in difficult situations. His candidness is a reminder that even the most devoted leaders struggle with their humanity.

William Barclay, in his commentary on 2 Corinthians, points out that Paul’s critics in Corinth accused him of being bold only when writing letters, but timid in person. However, Barclay notes that Paul’s boldness stemmed not from personal arrogance but from the confidence in his mission and trust in Christ. Barclay adds, "True Christian courage is not about never feeling fear, but about doing the right thing despite that fear." 

Balancing Boldness and Gentleness in Difficult Dialogues

Richard Foster, in his reflections on communication, emphasizes the importance of humility and love in all interactions. He warns against the dangers of rash or hasty communications, saying, "We must learn to pause and reflect before we respond, especially in the age of instant messages and emails. Our words must be seasoned with grace."

Timid Yet Bold: Paul's Example of Godly Communication

Eugene Peterson, in The Message, renders 2 Corinthians 10:1 with an emphasis on Paul's compassionate approach: "And now a personal but most urgent matter: I write in the gentle but firm spirit of Christ." Peterson's focus on gentleness aligns with Paul’s overall goal—not to tear down the Corinthians, but to build them up with firmness and love.

Matthew Henry, commenting on this passage, highlights Paul’s wisdom in choosing his approach to communication. "There is a time for boldness and a time for gentleness," Henry writes, "and Paul, knowing the Corinthians’ weaknesses, used letters to speak truth when personal confrontation might have caused more harm than good."

The wisdom you reflect on is crucial in our time, especially with how easily emotions can be misread in written communication. Sending off "cross emails" can escalate a situation and cause damage. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." In difficult conversations, whether face-to-face or through letters, the goal should always be to build up and not tear down.

Lessons from Paul’s Letters

Reflecting on Paul's example, the best course is often a combination of courage, tact, and grace—whether in person or through thoughtful written communication.

Let us Pray

Lord, give me the wisdom and grace to approach difficult conversations with humility and love. Help me to speak boldly when necessary, but always with gentleness and compassion. Guard my words, whether spoken or written, and let them be instruments of peace and understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Boldness

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took note, that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13

He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

When William Carey delivered his address for world missions, his words that have been immortalized are, "Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God." It was with such boldness that he laid his stake to spread the gospel of Christ in India. During his life time in India he was able to translate the New Testament from English into Bengali, Sanskrit, Marathi and Punjabi. 

One practice he vociferously condemned was the burning of widows called "Sati", which was prevalent in India at that time. This practice made children grow up without parents, and women and on occasions many women (polygamy) to be burnt alive in the funeral pyre of their husband.  

His personal life also had its trials and tribulations. He experienced the death of many of his loved ones during his long life on earth (17 August 1761 – 9 June 1834). When he himself was weak and dying his final words to one of his successors was, When I am gone, say nothing about Dr. Carey -- speak only of Dr. Carey's Savior.'

It was with so much of boldness and confidence that William Carey set out to India to establish his mission. There were many times when he faced oppositions from authorities and financial struggles, but through it all he learned to trust in God for all his needs. It is very difficult to find people who are not only bold but also humble like William Carey. Yet we see the disciples Peter and John, after Pentecost were also filled with such boldness that those who saw them speak and heal marveled them for their faith.

During this time of lent let us ask God for boldness and humility to do things for God we could never have imagined. Let us ask for boldness those who are actively involved in evangelization of God's Word in different parts of the world.