“God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” 2 Timothy 1:7.

Some Christians are under the delusion that in order to be gentle (which is a fruit of the Spirit)-
God expects us to be doormats.
They think we have to allow those with stronger personalities to walk all over us.

Christians who believe this are easily intimidated by loud, aggressive, opinionated people.

When someone challenges their faith, they quickly lose their confidence.
When God asks them to do something, they are haunted by their own inadequacy.

Timothy didn’t have to work at being gentle.
That was his nature.
He struggled instead to find enough confidence to address the strong personalities who challenged what God was doing through him.
He was often afraid.

But Paul reminded his young apprentice that there was no need for fear in the Christian’s life.

Timothy had the all-powerful Spirit of God living within him.
Therefore, those who encountered Timothy encountered God himself!

Paul wasn’t asking Timothy to be obnoxious or contentious.
He was simply encouraging him to have the confidence to obey whatever God asked him to do.

Christians should be characterized by power, not by fear.

Zephaniah 3:14-17; Romans 8:12-17.
We should be able to face any situation with confidence-
– because our God is not intimidated by our circumstances.

If you’re struggling with fear, turn it over to God.
Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of his mighty power!