The testimony of our Lord

Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 1
2 Timothy 1:7-8 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.

The spirit of fear that keeps us from witnessing for Jesus does not come from God. Have you ever been paralyzed with fear as you thought about talking with someone about Jesus Christ? That feeling comes from the world, the flesh and the devil. God has given us power to to bold. He has given us love for people and for him. He has given us a sound mind so that we can speak plainly when we share Christ.

The feeling of being ashamed of Jesus Christ and fear when talking with others about him is something we all deal with. The Bible is clear however that it does not come from God. We are not to be ashamed of Christ or of his people who suffer for the gospel.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

The gospel is the power of God unto salvation. We can boldly and lovingly preach the good news of Jesus because we know that it changes people's lives. When we are ridiculed or persecuted for our faith in Christ we can rejoice because that is the way Jesus was treated. We can also know that God has empowered us to be his faithful people in this world.

Let's share Christ boldly!

In Christ,
Rody