Parrhesia: The Confidence of Standing Before God

How often do we shrink back, whispering our testimonies in the shadows? How often do we fear judgment, ridicule, or even simple discomfort when sharing the gospel? Jase Robertson, in his recent podcast, unearthed a crucial key to overcoming this timidity: the Greek word *parrhesia*. It’s translated as “confidence” in many instances, but it carries a weight of meaning far exceeding a simple feeling of self-assurance.

Robertson’s deep dive into the New Testament reveals *parrhesia* appears a remarkable 31 times. It isn't about a fleeting, subjective sense of confidence; it’s about speaking boldly, openly, and without reservation. It’s the confidence that comes from knowing you are speaking the truth, and that God is with you, regardless of the consequences.

Think of Peter and John, standing before the Sanhedrin after witnessing the healing of the lame man (Acts 4:13-21). They were confronted by the power structures of their day, accused of blasphemy, and ordered to cease speaking in the name of Jesus. Yet, filled with the Holy Ghost, they responded with *parrhesia*, declaring, “For we cannot but speak those things which we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20) Their confidence wasn't rooted in their own abilities, but in the divine authority backing their words.

The Lord commanded us to “proclaim” (D&C 10:24), to testify “boldly” (D&C 10:19), and to “speak plainly” (D&C 112:4). These are not mere suggestions; they are mandates. How can we expect to be prepared to stand before God, to give an account of our stewardship, if we’ve spent our lives guarding our tongues and concealing our faith?

The Restoration itself is a testament to *parrhesia*. Joseph Smith, facing opposition, persecution, and threats of violence, boldly proclaimed the truth as revealed to him through divine visitation. He refused to be silenced, even unto death. His courage wasn't a product of arrogance, but of a profound connection to the source of all truth.

President Howard W. Hunter taught, “The ability to speak with confidence and conviction is a gift. It comes from diligent study, personal experience, and the influence of the Holy Ghost.” (Ensign, Nov. 1991, 70). The pursuit of knowledge, both scriptural and doctrinal, is the bedrock of this kind of confidence. It equips us to withstand challenges and to offer reasoned testimonies that can pierce the spiritual darkness.

The Prophet Isaiah foretold a time when the fullness of the gospel would be restored, and those who embraced it would be witnesses “in plainness of speech” (Isaiah 52:7). This isn't merely about clarity of language; it’s about the boldness of declaring truth, even when it’s unpopular or inconvenient. It's about embracing the *parrhesia* that comes from divine witness.

Let us examine our own lives and ask ourselves: Are we whispering in the shadows, or are we speaking boldly? Are we living in fear of man, or are we seeking the face of God? The Lord’s call is clear: let us cultivate a spirit of *parrhesia* and stand before Him with total confidence.

D&C 110:4: “Hear, O ye elders, and listen, and bear it with sober mind; for I will speak unto you concerning all these things; and it shall be recorded by me, and be sealed up; and it shall come forth in its own time, according to my own will, unto the intents and purposes of my heart.”