Yesterday we looked at the first part of this verse: “For God gave as a spirit not of fear…”
The rest of the verse looks at the positive. What does the Christian have through the work of the Holy Spirit?
“Power.” You were born again by His power. You have that inner strength to live by His power (Ephesians 3:16). You have power to live for His glory. You have power to say “no” to sin. You have power to believe when your faith is tested. You have power to pray. You have the power to share the gospel. You have power to use whatever spiritual gifts the Lord gives you.
“Love.” We have received God’s love through the cross and the Holy Spirit brings the experience of God’s love to us (Romans 5:5). We are also given power TO love. So, we can even love people that we find difficult.
Self-control.” Some translations have the words “sound mind” here. It means to have sound judgement and wisdom that affects the way we live. It is the opposite of being controlled by our emotions or circumstances.
This is what God has done for you in giving you His Holy Spirit: freedom from fear and the control of emotions and circumstances, but instead, the power to serve Him, and to experience, enjoy and share His love.
Being a Christian is an amazing thing! Let’s pray that God would help to believe what He has done and live in the good of it.
The best is yet to come 