Bold Faith in Conflict: What Stephen Teaches Us About Courage

 “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still circumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!”

Acts 7:51

Dear Friends,

Why We Avoid Conflict

Conflict is rarely pleasant. While some people seem to thrive on confrontation, most of us avoid it whenever possible. Yet when it comes to relationships, and especially spiritual matters, we sometimes must address difficult issues and risk conflict if we want real change to occur. Sharing the gospel often requires confronting sin and speaking truth with love.

I don’t naturally like conflict. In relationship struggles, I sometimes find myself delicately dancing around points of tension. At times I even ignore problems, hoping they will disappear. Sadly, that approach usually backfires. When issues go unaddressed, frustration and bitterness grow until emotions finally explode, often causing more damage than if the matter had been handled earlier.

When Truth Requires Courage

Speaking the truth always carries risk. Relationships may not improve and, in some cases, may even end. Yet growth rarely happens without courage. Bold faith in conflict requires trusting God with the outcome.

When telling others about Jesus, many believers try to remain faithful to the command to share the gospel while still avoiding uncomfortable moments. They may drop a hint or make a passing comment, hoping someone else will take the conversation deeper. But when tension rises, they retreat to preserve peace. I have done this myself. Stephen, however, provides a powerful example that bold faith in conflict, though risky, is often the most loving response when we truly want others to know the truth.

Stephen’s Example of Bold Faith in Conflict

Stephen lived a Spirit-filled life. Full of God’s grace and power, he performed wonders and signs among the people, which brought opposition from the religious leaders. Jealous of his influence, they recruited false witnesses to twist his words and accuse him unjustly.

When called to defend himself, Stephen boldly proclaimed the truth. First, he built common ground by recounting Israel’s history, reminding his listeners of God’s faithfulness – from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to Joseph, the years in Egypt, and God’s mighty deliverance through Moses.

He reminded them of the Law given at Mount Sinai and their ancestors’ disobedience in worshiping the golden calf. He spoke of God’s faithfulness in bringing them into the Promised Land and of the temple built by Solomon, while emphasizing that God does not dwell merely in buildings made by human hands. God desires to live within His people.

Tension rose steadily as Stephen spoke. He could have stopped after recounting their shared history, but instead he courageously addressed their hardened hearts. He compared them to their ancestors who persecuted the prophets and boldly declared that they had betrayed and murdered Jesus – the promised Messiah.

The Eternal Impact of Courageous Witness

From a human perspective, the conflict did not end well. Enraged, the members of the Sanhedrin covered their ears, rushed him, and dragged him outside the city to stone him.

Yet even as the stones flew, Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, lifted his eyes to heaven and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father, welcoming him into glory.

As Stephen prayed for his persecutors, a young man named Saul stood nearby watching. That moment would not be forgotten. The one who witnessed Stephen’s courageous stand would later become the apostle Paul, boldly proclaiming the gospel with the same fearless conviction.

Trusting God With the Outcome

Conflict is never easy, but God often uses it to awaken hearts, redirect lives, and bring healing and hope. Stephen did not retreat, soften the truth, or compromise his message. Because of his faithfulness, countless lives – including Paul’s – were eventually transformed.

Are there areas in your life where you have avoided necessary conversations? Ask God for courage to demonstrate bold faith in conflict, trusting Him to work in your relationships, your witness, and the lives of those who hear the truth.

Love,

Mama

Will you ask God for courage to speak truth in love this week? Share in the comments how God is helping you step forward in faith, understanding that your boldness may impact lives more than you realize.