Maybe if we were we would see the issues more clearly, not so much grayish. I mean the peer preasure and social attacks or subtle so you let them slide by, where a direct attack you are more likely to defend. I would like to make a clarification. If we are looking for an entire change in personality, we may be sorely disappointed. Boldness is not brashness.
Boldness is confidence and assurance.
With respect to persecution, I agree with Andy in that the Body of Christ thrives in spite of persecution, and that our love can and should abound in spite of persecution, just like it did in the Thessalonian Church, but I don't make the connection with persecution and boldness in preaching. It is a fact that some very capable preachers, whose ministries have led many to the Lord, get very nervous and even nauseated before they preach their sermons. Yet their preaching is bold. They stand solidly on what they know-God's Word. They have a sure foundation and they speak with confidence and assurance.