From timidity to compassion

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God did not give us the spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”

Three to one – that’s God’s ratio for success, according to 2 Timothy 1:7. A trio of God-given attributes – power, love and self-discipline – offsets one characteristic that doesn’t come from Him: timidity. The Greek word translated here as “timidity” also means “fear” or “cowardice”. Can you relate? Who hasn’t shrunk back, like the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz, when faced with opposition or an opportunity to speak about God to others?

But here is a refreshing perspective when confronting our own timidity: Rather than looking at people with fear, we can see them as Jesus did. He was willing to go out and seek each one like a shepherd looks for a lost sheep. He saw each person’s potential to become a child of God. We should see each person, not as a foe, but as a potential brother or sister. Do you see the difference such a change in perspective could make? It can move us from cowardice/timidity to compassion.

Who do you know that needs to hear about Jesus? A family member, a co-worker, a next door neighbour? Have they heard you speak on every subject except eternity? Regardless of what is holding you back, God has already replaced your timidity with power, love and self-discipline (a sound mind)

Power: We can be confident in sharing God’s message because he offers us the very same power that raised Jesus from the dead. Paul reminded the Corinthians that he came ‘in truthful speech and in the power of God’ (2 Corinthians 6:7) That same power is alive and real and available to you.
Love: God, who is love, can fill us so that we can invite others into his welcoming embrace. Love that ‘never fails’ (1 Corinthians 13:8) gives us the desire to share the very best news with others.
Self-discipline: means that we have a sound mind, good judgment and discretion. These concepts dovetail to make people who have wisdom tell others about Jesus. We will meet people where they are, discern what their needs are, sense where the ‘door’ to their heart is, and walk through it with the gospel message.