Women of the ELCA’s mission is mobilizing women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ. We know that each woman will act boldly in a way that’s unique to her, so we talk about each of us “finding our bold.” Boldness comes in many forms. Some boldness is firm and quiet. Some is bright and loud. We want to help each other find that bold, live it out and celebrate it.
Martin Luther is known to have weighed in on boldness. While “sin boldly” is the popular Luther reference, Luther’s statement is often not understood in its full context. Luther was writing to his friend, Philip Melanchthon, in 1521, admonishing him to “preach a true and not a fictitious grace.” Luther reminds Melanchthon that God does not save those who are only imaginary sinners. “Be a sinner, and let your sins be strong,” says one translation, “but let your trust in Christ be stronger” yet and rejoice in Christ who conquers sin, death and the world.
We Lutherans have a theology that gives us great freedom to be risk takers. Our ability to act boldly is rooted in our baptism and continually enabled, empowered and supported by God’s grace.
This message is adapted from Celebrating Bold Women’s Day, a program resource published by Women of the ELCA. Today we remember the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession (1530) and Philipp Melanchthon, renewer of the church, who died in 1560.
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