Boldness
How do we become more bold in our witnessing? Most importantly, we need to pray. Pray that the Holy Spirit would empower you and give you the words you need. Have others pray for you and join with you in prayer. The believer’s prayed for boldness in (Acts 4:23-31) and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and boldness. Paul asked for prayer from the Ephesians for boldness while in prison (Eph 6:19-20)(verses below).
Look for opportunities to witness where you can. Your testimony of how Jesus changed your life is one of your best witnessing tools. Be prepared to give an answer for the hope that is in you (1 Pet 3:15). Sometimes you may be asked a question that you don’t have the answer to. Do not try and make up some answer, tell them that you will find the answer and let them know later. As you find the answers to these questions, write them down, so if the question comes up again, you are prepared. You will be amazed at how the same questions appear over and over. Witnessing gets easier each time you do it. You become more confident and prepared with each attempt. Start small and keep learning.
There are going to be times when you are rejected or ridiculed. Jesus told us to expect this saying:
(Mt 5:10-12) Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (11) Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. (12) Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
We are told to rejoice in tribulation and persecution. Do NOT let it stop you. Keep pressing on. We are called by Jesus to proclaim the gospel to the world (Mt 28:19-20). Let us confess Jesus before men so that He might confess us before the Father (Mt 10:32).
(Acts 4:29) And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.
(Eph 6:19-20) And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known thy mystery of the gospel, (20) For which I am ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
(Acts 4:31) And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
(Prov 28:1) The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
(Jer 1:6-10) Then said I, Ah Lord God, behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. (7) But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child; for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. (8) Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. (9) Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. (10) See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.
(Lk 12:11-12) And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: (12) for the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.