God has not given us reason to be a coward

15Apr
God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power
 and of love and of a sound mind.

- I Timothy 1:4


I remember from childhood being told that cowardice was not allowed. Always fight back. Sometimes it was scary. I also learned from a wise counselor that making a strategic withdrawal might be better at times. This was different.


So God has not given us reason to be a coward. Instead God has given us the spirit of power, love, and of a sound mind. I wonder how often we think of these qualities that God has placed within us. Much of the Christian faith teaches us about God's gifts. We possess the ability to fight hatred with love. We have within us the power to fight temptation and evil. The fact is through our baptism we have been given gifts to overcome the forces that might do us in. So whenever we are confronted with evil or hatred we have no reason to run. God has given us the gifts to fight the battles before us. The real secret in this passage is that power is coupled with love. That is what makes the Christian message strong. Power without love can become demonic.


Musical Reflection - VOCES8: Cantique de Jean Racine by Gabriel Fauré


Lord open our eyes and ears that we might know the reality of the gifts you have placed in us. Help us to know the strengths of your gifts as we seek to do your will. Amen.

Strength

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