Reflecting on Acts 4:23-31“Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” (Acts 4:29)
Jesus knew what His mission was, and the risks involved.
A commitment to living for God’s love will make you a target.
The first disciples are committed to this same mission, with the same risks.
They are threatened, but notice what they pray for: boldness.
They do not pray for protection or safety, they pray for boldness.
We need to make sure we understand what this boldness is.
It is not being obnoxious or rebellious or obstinate to the authorities.
It is not being pushy or judgmental of their opponents.
They are praying for a boldness to speak the word/message of Jesus.
And that word is the word/message of humble, gracious love.
It is witnessing to their hope in Jesus with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15-16).
It is seasoning all of their words and actions with grace (Colossians 4:6).
It is showing their world that humble gracious love, not violence and threats, will win.
When we face threats or risks, do we pray for a greater boldness for humble, gracious love?
When we do, we too can be filled with the Spirit of love, joy, peace, etc!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, when I am challenged by religious people not to love certain people, enable me to speak and live Your message of radical love with great boldness. Fill me with the fruit of Your Spirit, that I may speak this word of God boldly!