Click here for today's reading
From ESV:
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 God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
The Voice breaks the two verses into to sentences:
6 This is why I write to remind you to stir up the gift of God that was conveyed to you when I laid my hands upon you.
7 You see, God did not give us a cowardly spirit but a powerful, loving, and disciplined spirit.
I've always focused on verse 7, but I've noticed in most of the word for word translations (ESV, NRSV) translate verses 6 & 7 as one thought or sentence. I really like that.
What strikes me about this chapter and others like it is how close and loving the friendships were between Paul and others. These men had no problem showing their feelings to one another and reaching out in love. If we could have more genuine friendships like that in our day, we might have less people looking for quick love fixes. As I get older, I cherish my friends more and more and seek out new ones. On line connections can be good, but there is nothing like in-person contact. I find myself seeking more ways to keep those in-person contacts genuine.
ReplyDelete2 Timothy 1
ReplyDeleteGreeting
1 From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will—a will that contains Christ Jesus’ promise of life.
9-10 God saved us and called us to be holy, not because of what we had done, but because of his own plan and kindness. Before the world began, God planned that Christ Jesus would show us God’s kindness. Now with the coming of our Savior Christ Jesus, he has revealed it. Christ has destroyed death, and through the Good News he has brought eternal life into full view.
12-14 For this reason I suffer as I do. However, I’m not ashamed. I know whom I trust. I’m convinced that he is able to protect what he had entrusted to me until that day. With faith and love for Christ Jesus, consider what you heard me say to be the pattern of accurate teachings. With the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us, protect the Good News that has been entrusted to you.