What does it look like to be both strong and soft? Courageous yet kind? Bold in your beliefs and gentle in your approach?
In a world that often forces us to choose one or the other, Jesus shows us how to live with both.
That’s the beauty of a Christlike attitude: bold faith wrapped in a gentle spirit.
The Lion and the Lamb
Jesus wasn’t just a meek teacher or a passionate preacher. He was both the Lion and the Lamb.
He flipped tables in the temple (Matthew 21:12–13, NLT).
He wept outside Lazarus’s tomb (John 11:35, NLT).
He boldly declared the truth to religious leaders.
He gently touched the eyes of the blind.
He called out hypocrisy.
He called children to His side.
Jesus didn’t tone down His message to avoid offense. But He didn’t deliver it with arrogance or pride either.
He was bold with truth and soft with people.
That’s the posture we’re called to adopt.
Bold Faith Stands Firm
Let’s talk about boldness for a minute.
Boldness isn’t being loud. It’s being anchored.
It’s standing firm in your convictions even when the crowd doesn’t agree.
It’s being unashamed of the Gospel even when it’s unpopular.
Paul said it plainly:
“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16, NLT)
That’s bold faith.
The kind that’s rooted in something deeper than feelings.
The kind that endures even when things get tough.
The kind that believes God can still move, even when everything says otherwise.
It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being persuaded.
You’re convinced that God is who He says He is.
That His Word is true.
That His promises will come to pass.
And so, you don’t shrink back. You stand up.
Not with fists clenched but with arms open.
Gentleness Isn’t Weakness
Now let’s talk about gentleness. Because it gets a bad rap.
Gentleness isn’t spineless. It’s not passive.
It’s not the absence of strength—it’s strength under control.
The Bible says:
“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” (Ephesians 4:2, NLT)
Gentleness doesn’t mean you don’t speak up. It just means you speak in love.
You listen before you lecture.
You respond rather than react.
You correct without condemning.
This kind of spirit is rare in our culture.
But it’s powerful. Because it disarms people.
When you combine conviction with compassion, people notice.
You don’t have to scream your beliefs to be heard. You just have to live with them with consistency and kindness.
Jesus Was Both
Let’s go back to Jesus.
He was bold enough to walk into hostile places and gentle enough to kneel with sinners.
He called Peter “Satan” when he tried to block the cross and He restored him after his denial.
He challenged the crowds but healed the hurting.
He didn’t just model what to believe; He modeled how to carry that belief.
With holy boldness and heavenly gentleness.
That’s your calling too.
Why This Balance Matters
In today’s world, it’s easy to tip too far in one direction.
Some people are bold in faith—but they bulldoze others in the process.
Others are so gentle they never take a stand.
But Scripture calls us to hold both.
Paul said:
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:5, NLT)
And also:
“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13–14, NLT)
Did you catch that?
Be strong, but do it with love.
Be courageous, but don’t forget compassion.
This balance isn’t just for your witness—it’s for your relationships, your leadership, and your daily life.
People are drawn to truth, but they stay when it’s served with grace.
Letting the Holy Spirit Lead
Here’s the good news: You don’t have to manufacture this balance on your own.
The Holy Spirit produces both boldness and gentleness in you.
He gives you the courage to speak up.
And the wisdom to know when to stay quiet.
He strengthens your spine—and softens your tone.
Galatians 5:22–23 says:
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” (NLT)
Notice the pairing? Gentleness and self-control. Strength and softness. Firmness and faithfulness.
When you walk by the Spirit, you’ll start to reflect Jesus in how you live, how you love, and how you lead.
Final Thought: Be Like Him
You don’t have to choose between being bold or being kind.
Jesus showed us how to be both.
So speak the truth, but do it with tenderness.
Stand for what’s right, but do it with humility.
Live with unwavering faith, and a spirit that welcomes the broken.
When you do that, people won’t just hear the Gospel from you.
They’ll see it in you.
And that might be the boldest, gentlest thing of all.
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Iann Schonken