Empowered In Love and Clear-headed

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (II Timothy 1:7 NKJV)

This verse easily stands on its own, but interestingly, it is preceded by a reminder of Paul recalling the heritage of faith Timothy’s mother and grandmother provided him. In light of that heritage, Paul challenged Timothy, “(For this reason) I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (II Timothy 1:6 NKJV)

Paul had gotten to know Timothy and his family well on his second missionary journey to Derbe and Lystra. Whether by family heritage or perhaps just as an individual tendency of Timothy’s, Paul may have deduced uncertainty and doubt were default settings for the young minister. I remember that feeling as a young pastor, in my 20s with a flock that averaged 48-49 years of age. Regardless of why, Paul’s resultant exhortation has ended up being one of the most oft-quoted passages of encouragement in the Word of God.

Fear is trepidation about the unknown, a fairly natural tendency. Instead of fear, what does our faith afford? Jesus told us it was peace. “‘Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’” (John 14:27 NKJV)

To the church at Rome Paul clarified even further, “(Y)ou did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” (Romans 8:15 NKJV) Peace engenders courage, not an absence of fear but the determination to proceed boldly despite that which is fear-inducing. In addition to peace which passes all understanding (Philippans 4:6-7), we are given power (Acts 1:8), love (I Corinthians 13:4-7) and a sound mind (I John 4:18). What a trade-off!

Sound-mindedness is essential, because when fear dominates one tends to make bad decisions, often skewed in our thinking. For this reason Jesus often told His followers, “Peace be with you,” “Let not your heart be troubled,” or the like. He knew there would be trouble fo us but said, “‘These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’” (John 16:33 NKJV)

Your own fallen nature and the enemy’s devices would seek to cause fear and despair in your heart and mind as you face the unknown. God’s peace is there for you. See His face, call out to Him; His everlasting comfort and peace is yours but for the asking. Then, emboldened by His Spirit, move forward in the power of His might, with love for all men and clear eyes as to His purpose in your life. He will work on your behalf; we have His word on that.

Related Scriptures

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV)

“‘But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’” (Acts 1:8 NKJV)

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (I Corinthians 13:4-7 NKJV)

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” (I John 4:18 NKJV)