POWER, LOVE AND SELF-CONTROL

2 Timothy 1:7
For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. (WEB)

2 Timothy starts off with the Apostle Paul bringing words of encouragement to his spiritual son, Timothy. In his opening address to this young leader, Paul reminds Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God that he received when this great apostle laid his hands on him.

The New International Version Bible translates 2 Timothy 1:6-7 this way... 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

What Paul is basically saying to Timothy is don't be fearful to exercise the gifts that God gave you because fear and love cannot co-exist. 1 John 4:18 tells us that perfect love will actually drive all fear away! My prayer today is that we would all take these words that Paul gave to Timothy to heart. God has not given us a spirit that makes us a slave to fear. He has given us His own Spirit that empowers us to live in the love that He has for us.

If you are wrestling with fearful thoughts about yourself, your future or any other thing... Declare this truth over your life! God has not given me a spirit of fear! He has given me His own Spirit that is filled with power and love and self-control! May the love of God drive all fear out of your heart as you fan into flame all of the gifts that He has given to you!

Romans 8:15
For you didn’t receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (WEB)