For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:6-7

Timothy had a godly mother and grandmother. His father was Greek and presumably an unbeliever, his mother Eunice was a believing Jewish woman who became a Christian. His grandmother Lois had evidently been converted, for Paul talks of the ‘sincere faith’ of all three generations (v 5). These godly women had instructed Timothy out of the Old Testament so that from childhood he had ‘known the Holy Scriptures.’ Timothy is urged to ‘fan into flame the gift of God’ (v 6) given to him when Paul laid his hands on him. This would most naturally be taken as the time of Timothy’s ordination. Are you aware of your God-given gifts? Are you using them in his service?

Paul reminds Timothy that God has not given us a spirit of timidity or cowardice, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline (v 7). The effective Christian worker must have the power of the Holy Spirit, but that power must be expressed in a loving spirit, or it may do damage. Be strong in the Spirit in your life and ministry.

CLOSING PRAYER

Holy Spirit, you came to make me more like Jesus. Give me all that I need today to be a witness for him in what I say and do. Build my vision for how I can serve him, for how I can love others with his love.

(From Encounter with God)