For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. — 2 Timothy 1:7
Over the past few days, I have taken a closer look at this verse in a variety of ways. When I think of the words of wisdom that Paul shares with Timothy, it reminds me of the many words of wisdom that I heard from different people when I was younger. Many of these conversations did not make sense when I was younger, but have become much more evident as I grow older.
In one of those conversations, I remember someone sharing with me that love makes you bold. I often thought that statement was confusing. Love seems to be a soft, tender word. It seems to imply gentleness. After being married and having a family of my own, it becomes more clear. Love does indeed make you bold.
Love is in your heart. It is your passion. With a heart of love, that love and passion comes out in the things that you do. Think of the moments of love in your life where you would do anything for the one you love or a cause you love.
Paul shares with Timothy that we were not given the spirit of fear but of love. Barnes said it well when he wrote, “Nothing will do more to inspire courage, to make a man fearless of danger, or ready to endure privation and persecution, than love.”
Our heart of love should start with a love for Christ. A love that makes us bold in proclaiming the gospel and seeking for sinners to be saved. A love of our family and our country should make us bold in standing for the truth.
If you examine your heart today, do you have a heart of love? Is the love that you have in your heart coming out, making you bold for the cause of Christ and for truth and righteousness? What an amazing thought that we should have a heart of love, not of fear.
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