2 Timothy 1:7

I remember that this verse was the theme verse for UWCCF one year. We are not to cower away in fear because that's not the spirit God placed in us. Rather, there are three aspects of which we are to be based upon the spirit given to us by God. The first is power, and God certainly is powerful. Not only is he powerful, but we are powerful because of the power he gives us. We are not to be afraid because we are weak. In fact, it is in 2 Corinthians that he explains that when he is weak, then he is strong. The spirit he has given us is of love. We are certainly to be loving. This may even be explained as a distinguishing factor for disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ as explained in the gospel according to John. Lastly, the spirit given to us by God is of self-control. With all this power and love, there is also room to get out of hand. The spirit given by God is not one that is out of control and goes crazy. Instead, there is control and as believers we are to be self-controlled. Having this inside us and given by God, we are to go and do something about it and fan into flame God's gift to us, which is what Paul encourages Timothy in.