| “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” |
| —2 Timothy 1:7 |
Yesterday, I watched a new commentator join a panel at the end of a television news program. He came with sterling credentials from a major Washington, DC, newspaper. He was reasonably good looking and seemed to exude a professional demeanor.
However, when he began to answer the hosts questions, he stammered and inserted an “ah” between almost every word. It was as if, in the stark lights of the television news set, he lost his ability to communicate effectively. I cannot say that he was fearful or timid. But, he was obviously not as comfortable verbalizing his thoughts as he most obviously is when he writes his newspaper column. There’s really nothing wrong with that—other than a bit of awkwardness for the audience.
In sharing God’s love with others, we need not feel uncomfortable or timid. God will give us the words to say, as He prompts us through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. We can rest in the knowledge that whenever He prompts us to share what He has done for us, He will enable us to speak boldly, yet with kindness and gentleness. This is exactly what the Apostle Paul was sharing with his “son-in-the-faith” Timothy, when Paul wrote these words recorded in 2 Timothy 1:7:
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
God will empower us, this very day, to meet the people who cross our pathway with hearts full of God-breathed love. He will enable us to say appropriate words that will honor Him when we talk to those we meet. So, let’s strike out into the needy world today with a sense of humble confidence that comes from the God who loves us and enables us to represent Him well.
Based on a blog originally posted on Friday, June 9, 2017
