For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Paul’s letter to Timothy calls all of us to courage.

Humanly speaking, Timothy had cause to be timid:

He was sensitive to being young. Paul told Timothy not to let that be an issue (1 Timothy 4:12).

People disagreed with Timothy and baited him to get into arguments (2 Timothy 2:23).

Timothy’s mentor (Paul) was losing team members (2 Timothy 1:15; 4:16), and Timothy faced the same problem (2 Timothy 4:3).

Finally, it appears the Apostle Paul would soon lose his life because of his convictions (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

The odds against Timothy were great. Timidity was not only a temptation but might also have been a prudent career choice.

Nevertheless, Paul’s counsel is not to be timid.

Timothy’s strength was not some personality trait of ingenuity and resourcefulness. Instead, Paul speaks supernaturally: “For the Spirit God gave us…” You fight, but you fight differently than the world fights (2 Corinthians 10:4).

Timothy’s strength would be powerful with this internal courage from the Spirit. His tools were love and self-discipline. Instead of fighting fire with fire, the Spirit compels love and commitment towards those who threaten and bully. The Spirit gives courage and self-discipline when others want to run.

Paul was not naïve to the challenges Christians face in a hostile world. He knew from experience that standing for what is right and speaking the truth can carry grave consequences. Yet, armed with faith, the Spirit-filled Christian perseveres.

The enemies of truth are enemies of God, and they want to silence you. They will pass laws to stop you. They will arrest you. They will slander you. It will tempt you to run and hide or to come out swinging. Neither is an option.

Instead, speak the truth with love (Ephesians 4:15). To do that, you may have to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39). You may lose friends (1 John 3:13). It may cost you your freedom (2 Timothy 1:8). It may even cost you your life (Matthew 16:25).

That is why Paul tells Timothy:

But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5)

Because, quite honestly, spreading the Gospel (evangelist) is what it is all about!