Definition: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Timothy 1:7 together. It's a really important message about how we should live our lives. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God doesn’t give us a feeling of fear – that’s a natural and sometimes scary emotion for us. Instead, He gives us something better – power , love , and a sound mind . Let's unpack each part: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear..." - This means God isn’t giving us a natural instinct to be afraid. It’s not like we automatically feel fear when things are difficult or scary. It’s a gift, not a requirement. "...but of power..." – This refers to the strength and ability to do what's right and overcome challenges. Think of it as having the ability to make good decisions and act bravely. "...and of love..." – Love is a really important part of this. It’s not just being nice, but genuine caring for others, even when it's hard. It means wanting what's best for people. "...and of a sound mind." - This is the most crucial part. “Sound mind” means having a clear and rational way of thinking – a good judgment and understanding. It’s about being able to think clearly and not be swayed by emotions or bad advice. In short, it's about being strong enough to make wise decisions and act with kindness and clarity. Why is this important? This verse encourages us to: Be brave: Don’t let fear hold you back from doing what’s right. Be compassionate: Show love and concern for others. Think wisely: Make good decisions based on reason, not just emotion. Does this mean we don't feel afraid? Absolutely not! It means we manage our fear, but it doesn’t control us. We are still human beings with emotions, and it’s important to balance those with wisdom and a desire to do good. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you an example of how these qualities (power, love, sound mind) can show up in your life?