2 Timothy 1:7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (ESV).
Context: 2 Timothy 1:5,6,8 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.(6)For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, (8) Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,
From the lexicon: Give=as a gift, bestow. Fear=cowardice, timidity. Power=strength. Love=Godly (agape) love
Timothy was a young pastor whom Paul encouraged. He had a mother and grandmother that first believed and were not afraid to pass on their belief to Timothy. Now Paul encourages this young man in the faith. Be strong. Stand up for the Gospel for God freely gives His Spirit to lead us in confidence through His power. This is strength grounded in God’s love. When He works to bring every thought in our minds under subjection of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5), there is no room for worry or for fear.
Paul encouraged Timothy to stir up or fan the flames of the gift he had been given been given. In like fashion we are called to stir up the gifts given us, and what greater gift has God bestowed upon us than His Spirit, Who guides and comforts us driving out every fear. Therefore, God calls us to be filled with and walk in the Spirit as we submit to his direction so that we might be bold in our witness to a world in desperate need of the Gospel.
Lord, I pray for grace to yield to the presence of Your Holy Spirit within me so that I might be bold in a world that seeks to intimidate those who are called by Your Name. Enable me to cast out every, fear, fret, and concern, laying them at Your feet.