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This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. --- 2 Timothy 1:6-7 Timothy was experiencing great opposition to his message and to himself as a leader. His youth, his association with Paul, and his leadership had come under fire from believers and nonbelievers alike. Paul urged him to be bold. When we allow people to intimidate us, we neutralize our effectiveness for God. The power of the Holy Spirit can help us overcome our fear of what some might say or do to us so that we can continue to do God’s work. Paul mentions three characteristics of the effective Christian leader: power, love, and self-discipline. These are available to us because the Holy Spirit lives in us. Follow his lead each day so that your life will more fully exhibit these characteristics. See Galatians 5:22-23 for a list of the by-products of the Holy Spirit living in us. --- Life Application Study Bible PRAYER Heavenly Father, Thank you for all the grace that you have bestowed on me without measure. You have not given me a spirit of fear but a spirit of love, of power, and a sound mind. Bless my soul with Your great mercy, comfort and peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen