For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV, 8-18-2013)

When I think of not being timid, I think power. But Paul lists three results of a lack of fear. Power is first, but love is next. A lack of fear means I’m willing to invest my life in people, to risk being hurt, to truly love my neighbor as myself.

Paul’s third result of no-fear living is self-discipline. Being brave enough to resist temptation. To believe God’s word and trust His standards. To live at odds with culture and risk (or even invite) ridicule.

[Father, help me to truly live without fear in all three ways.]