Grace and Boldness

Following Jesus doesn’t remove us from the brokenness of the world—it fills us with grace and boldness to step into it. In Acts 3–4, we see how the Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people to bring healing, speak truth, stand firm, and pray courageously in the face of opposition.

REVIEW: Grace and boldness to heal.

READ: Acts 3:6–8 –
“Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.”

DISCUSS: What does it look like to truly see the pain and suffering around us instead of walking past it? How might God be inviting you to become a source of healing—spiritually, emotionally, or physically?

REVIEW: Grace and boldness to tell our friends the truth.

READ: Acts 3:19–20a –
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

DISCUSS: Why is it often harder to speak truth to family and close friends than to strangers? How can grace shape the way we share truth so it feels like an invitation rather than a judgment?

REVIEW: Grace and boldness to defy our enemies.

READ: Acts 4:12 –
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

DISCUSS: Where do you feel pressure to stay quiet about your faith? What does it mean to obey God rather than people in everyday decisions at home, work, or in culture?

REVIEW: Grace and boldness through prayer.

READ: Acts 4:29–31 – “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness… After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”

DISCUSS: What do you usually pray for when life feels threatening or uncertain? How does this prayer challenge the way you think about courage, safety, and God’s power?

ASK

Where do you need God’s grace and boldness right now—in your compassion, your conversations, your convictions, or your prayers?

PRAY

God, thank You for being present with us in every challenge we face. Fill us with Your grace so we see people through Your eyes, and with Your boldness so we live and speak with courage. Remind us that we are not alone—You are with us, and Your power is at work in us. Amen.

INVITATION TO RESPOND

This week, intentionally live with grace and boldness:

• See the hurting: Ask God to open your eyes to someone in need and take one tangible step toward them.
• Speak with grace: Pray for an opportunity to share truth with a friend or family member in a loving, invitational way.
• Stand firm: Identify one area where you need to obey God rather than pressure or fear.
• Pray boldly: Shift your prayers from “keep me safe” to “use me for Your glory.”
• Trust God’s presence: Walk into each day remembering that courage flows from knowing God is with you.

May God give us grace—and may He fill us with boldness to live for His name.

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