Devotion: 2 Timothy 1:7

2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Paul’s letters to Timothy are some of my favorites because he shares insight almost like a father with a son rather than as a mentor. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul gives him some insight about the Holy Spirit to help encourage him and strengthen him in his walk. In the verse before today’s Scripture, Paul tells Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God received from the laying on of hands – the Holy Spirit. He then tells him what the Spirit does for us – it is not a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Instead of fear we find ourselves empowered, not in a physical sense, necessarily, but a heavenly power. We are told multiple times that in our weakness He is strong (2 Corinthians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 12:10; Romans 8:26; Ephesians 6:10). We are filled by His love, and it is pure and genuine (Romans 5:5; Romans 5:8). Our response to others should be one of love. And the last in this short list of fruits from the Spirit is self control or self discipline. Self-discipline made an appearance in Paul’s first letter to young Timothy, too (1  Timothy 2:9; 1 Timothy 2:15), as well in his series on fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

All of this tells us simply this – do not fear, be brave. We are no different than Timothy or any other ministry worker. We are all human and have our struggles. But we should draw strength from the words Paul shared with Timothy because we, too, have nothing to fear.

Today take comfort in knowing you have the Spirit in you that fills you with fearlessness, power, love, and self-discipline. Thank God for His Spirit and all that it provides us with.

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