2 Tim 1:7 (HCSB)
You've probably seen the bumper stickers that read, "Fear no Art." I have seen a variety of stickers playing off of that original. Perhaps the Apostle Paul would have made a bumper sticker that would say, "Fear no opportunity to share the gospel." I know its probably too long for a bumper sticker, unless it is a really big bumper. I have heard it said that Christians and non-Christians alike fear evangelism. While humorous it may be truer than it ought to be. We are afraid sometimes to share our faith.
Paul says, "don't be fearful!" In fact he says a lot more than just don't fear. He reminds us that we are empowered to share. We have the Holy Spirit residing within us to guide and work in us and through us. We also have a stronger motivation than fear itself and that is love. When we truly understand that those around us who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus are destined to an eternity separated from God in a place we know of as hell, we should be motivated by our love for them to do something about it. And then Paul also reminds us of our sound judgement as the HCSB translates it. In other translations it uses the word discipline. We must have sound discipline to prepare and do what we need to do to help others find the wonderful relationship with a loving God that we have.
So don't be afraid but let God work through you in power, because you love those in our World around us and discipline yourself to do something about their eternal destiny. They may just thank you someday for it!
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