2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
Throughout this entire pandemic, I have seen this verse misused in order to push certain agendas. As we go through the ups and downs of life we need to remember scripture should never be used to manipulate anyone into your own personal vendetta but to be the living word of God. So with that said let's get into what this verse is actually saying.
Paul was writing to Timothy a church leader who some believe may have been a little timid to speak out against errors within the church. Paul is encouraging and reminding him that God gives us the confidence needed to correct the moral issues we may see. Timothy had a gentle spirit and Paul wanted to warmly speak out against cowardice they can grow from being in a world running from God.
If you decide to take precautions because of health concerns that does not mean you have a spirit of fear. That’s discernment.
If you decide to distance yourself from a toxic relationship that is not having a spirit of fear. That’s self-respect.
If you decide to wait on God for his direction that is not a lack of faith. That’s wisdom.
If you decide to lock your doors at night that is not creating a spirit of fear within your home. That’s protecting yourself.
Fear can also be an indication that something is wrong or unsafe. God can give you intuition to know when it is time to go. There are times when fear can even protect us and tell us something subconsciously that we may not recognize. Fear has unfairly gotten a bad reputation and we are distracted from the true message of the above verse.
The fear Paul is talking about is cowardice.
The cowardice I see in the church today does not come from getting or not getting a vaccine. The cowardice in the church today comes from not speaking out against sin, pride, and false teachings because people are afraid of what this world will say about them. Cowardice is also not following your calling because you are consumed with worry and forget that God can give you a spirit of love, power, and self-discipline to complete your calling. That is the spirit of fear Paul is speaking out against.
Being cautious and using wisdom from God does not show a lack of faith, in fact, it is showing maturity and recognizing that God wants to protect you.
Great faith is shown by loving the unloved, correctly speaking up for the word of God, and having the courage to build his kingdom.
