Prayers of the BibleSample

How do you shape your identity around the spirit of love, power and self-control?

Writing letters is a lost art, and yet whenever we get one in the mail, it's just the best. Getting a letter from a friend who wants to update you on their life is great; but a friend who writes you a letter to encourage you in your faith is even better.

Paul here is writing a letter to Timothy, his close friend, to spur him on in the faith; and we get to read over his shoulder and be confident that what is true of Timothy is true for us, because it is a truth that is grounded in the gospel. At the beginning of this letter, he reminds him, and us, to fan into flame the faith that we have in the Lord. That this spirit that is given, is one of love, power and self-control. That is what is at the core of our identity, not a spirit of fear. It is such a gift that we are able to operate out of this new identity because of the gospel. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can be confident in how we love one another, patiently and actively. The most loving thing we can do for another believer, is to encourage them in their walk with Jesus.

Spurring one another on in the faith; this is what Paul is doing for Timothy. Being able to meaningfully live this out means we know one another well and we see life up close. We see how another is seeking to follow Jesus closely and cheer one another on in the joys and the trials.

Today, ponder this: How would your view of God change if you were to look at your life, and the lives of others, with the intention to spur one another on in the faith?