Today is the Feast of Saints Timothy and Titus. Both men were collaborators with St. Paul and received letters from him that we find in the New Testament. Timothy became the first bishop of Ephesus and Titus the bishop of Crete.
St. Paul gives Timothy some great exhortations in his second letter to him. Today we read, “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.” No one wants to be thought of as a coward. Some people have the mistaken notion that a coward is someone who is afraid, perhaps to an unnatural degree. But that’s not the whole of it. A coward is someone who gives into their fears and fails to do the right thing; who turns tail and runs when the going gets tough.
We all have fears. We’re afraid of death, abandonment, public speaking, clowns, etc. But if we truly believe that God has got everything under control, then we need never run from that which we fear. One great feat that people have today is proclaiming the Gospel and speaking out against injustice. In a world where persecution of Christians takes many forms, cowards are not needed. Not doing the right thing out of fear is not from the Lord. So be bold and courageous! Always remember…God is always at your side!
Father, we thank you for helping us to face our fears with the courage and strength that you provide. Help us to live our lives boldly in the Spirit. Amen.
Faith and Wine is Thursday, January 28 in Naples, FL. Join me for a great, Spirit-filled night! Get details at www.FaithandWine.com.
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