'Spirit of...' (1)

In God's word it says, 'Stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not

be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord' (2 Timothy 1:6-8 NKJV). Paul is encouraging Timothy to trust in and embrace the gifts and mission God has given him. In verse 7, the words 'spirit of' refer to something human and natural, rather than super-natural. It means an 'attitude of', or 'disposition of'. Paul is telling Timothy that God has given him an attitude of power, love and a sound mind. This means that Timothy is enabled to live out what God wants for him.

The same applies today. We're invited to have faith in what God's given us and in the Gospel - both are totally trustworthy. When things go wrong, it means that God has given us the ability to approach them with an attitude of power, love and a sound mind.

So, let's take the God-given, attitude-changing message of the Gospel and carry it with faith, not with fear. Fear breeds fear. But faith welcomes in hope and the presence of God.



So what now? What's your fear about a situation in your life? God has given you gifts to make a difference in this situation, and he is completely trustworthy. You are victorious because you have a spirit of power and love and a sound mind. Be encouraged today!





— SCRIPTURE —

'God has not given us a spirit of fear.' 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
— SOULFOOD —

Gal 5:22-23, Neh 8:10, Heb 12:1-2, Jam 1:2-3