For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
This is a simple and straightforward verse. When we are in relationship with God, through faith in Jesus Christ, we are able and equipped to live in the truth of this verse.
What does it look like to not live in a spirit of fear or timidity? We are able to live in a spirit of power. We don’t have to be afraid of anything or anyone. We don’t have to fear the opinions of others, gossip, expectations, etc. We can live in power, through the power and strength of God, our Creator, Savior, and Lord.
What does it look like to live with a spirit of love? I think maybe it looks like giving people the benefit of the doubt, treating them like Jesus treated people, and showing love even when we don’t feel like it. If you were to go through Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Bible and look at how Jesus Christ treated people, it is incredible! He showed so much love and care and compassion, and so much purpose and intentionality in relationships with others, always desiring to give them what they need (though it wasn’t always what they wanted!!).
Moving on, what does it look like to live with a spirit of self-discipline? I think this is pretty much what it says. We live a life of discipline. This doesn’t mean anything legalistic, but we use our time wisely, are good stewards of all the resources we are given, and live a life committed to walking in God’s ways.
What does your life look like right now? Does it look more like a life living through a spirit of fear? Or a spirit of power and love and self-discipline? What choices or decisions maybe need to change in your life to begin living through a spirit of power and love and self-discipline?
Faith Lived Out 