Humble vs. Bold; Can We Be Both?

Humble: Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful.

Bold: Fearless and daring; courageous; forward and brazen

Before we can answer the question in the title, we need to know the meaning of the terms noted. They sound like total opposites of each other, don’t they? Some people really struggle with showing boldness. They feel like they're not being Christian if they speak up and show any authority at all in some areas, and we know by studying the life of Christ that he was both.

Jesus was very humble and meek. He washed the feet of the disciples, laid hands on the lepers, and showed mercy and grace to all who sought Him out for healing or deliverance. He loved the Jewish people so earnestly and deeply.

However, He was also very bold and courageous. He went into areas no other believer would venture into. He went into the temple, turned over the tables, ran the money changers out, stood up to the Pharisees, and called them out when they were taunting him and he told them that they were hypocrites and a den of vipers. Jesus was very quick to put them in their place. He knew he was the Son of God, so he could walk in both characteristics—boldness and humbleness with confidence. Jesus knew who He was and whose He was.

There is a time and a place for us to be humble and there's a time and a place for us to rise up and know who we are in Christ. If we are believers, we are empowered with the same powers, gifts, and authority as Jesus Christ. He said He gives us all power and authority and we would even do greater things.

We can be humble and contrite even though we're standing up boldly, so humble versus bold? We don't have to weigh them; we can be both and we should be both just as Jesus was.