I grew up in a home where my mom and dad instilled confidence in me. This confidence are made sleeping at night much more enjoyable. Some nights were filled with nightmares and caused me to run to my parents’ bedroom. I can remember jumping in the bed between my mom and dad and falling back to sleep because I felt safe and secure with them.
Timothy experienced safety in the presence of his mother and grandmother. They both instilled in Timothy a sincere faith in God. Through the teaching of his mother and grandmother, Paul reminds Timothy to always fan into flames, the gift of God which came by the laying on of Paul’s hands.
God has not given his children a spirit of fear. Just like the safety we all felt in the presence of our parents, God has given us power, love, self-discipline and a sound mind. We can be sure that in him, there is nothing that can harm us. We have nothing to fear.
3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
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. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.