Do We really have the Power to Love and Self-Discipline?

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There are days when the Bible speaks so directly to our heart that we know it is exactly what we need at that moment. Today is that kind of day for me. Our verse is from 2 Timothy 1:7. It says that God did not give us a spirit that makes us timid. Instead He gave us power love and self discipline.

This verse stays with me as I write today. I can see how much I need this truth in my life as a mother, as a wife, as a servant of God, as a lecturer, and as a simple believer learning each day what it means to walk with Jesus.

Yesterday’s little moment with our son David helped me see this truth in action. We always try to be intentional in teaching him values. But most of the time we know very well that talking alone is not enough. If we only speak without showing, he will not listen or understand. We have learned again and again that the best lessons come from example. God keeps reminding me of something simple. I must live out the values I want him to learn. I must be quick to listen, slow to get angry, and slow to speak.

Last night he was baking brownies for his tiny business. From a distance I saw him spill cocoa powder all over the table. He moved too fast and the mess was everywhere. I gasped a little because my first reaction was to be annoyed. But at that moment God helped me pause. That small moment became a gentle test. Will I react in anger or will I respond with patience

I chose to breathe and speak calmly. I told him it was alright. I reminded him to be mindful next time. His face lit up. He looked at me and asked if I was angry. I smiled and told him I was not. I reminded him that mistakes happen and that what matters is we learn from them.

Later, when I read our verse for today, it became clearer. Jesus gave us a Spirit that is active. A Spirit that teaches us how to respond in any situation. Not with fear, not with weakness, and not with anger. But with power, love, and discipline.

This small moment in the kitchen was not just about cocoa powder on the table. It was God showing me that His Spirit is at work even in the simple moments of family life. As parents we still have much to learn. I still have so many areas that need growth. But God is faithful to guide us. When we choose Him and surrender everything to Him, even the smallest moments become teaching moments filled with grace. 

2 Timothy 1:7. It says that God did not give us a spirit that makes us timid. Instead He gave us power love and self discipline.

Power, Love, and Discipline in Real Life

One of the greatest works of salvation is that God does not just save us. He also fills us with the Holy Spirit. His Spirit empowers us to live the life He desires for us. The Christian life is not a life lived by our own strength. It is a life fueled and guided by the Spirit of God living inside us.

But even with this gift, the change in us does not happen all at once. It is a journey. We still have habits that we need to let go of. We still have thoughts that we need to correct. We still have reactions that need to be softened. This journey takes time. It takes practice. It takes patience. And God understands that.

When Paul wrote to Timothy, he encouraged him to keep growing in the gift God had given him. We may be saved in a moment, but we spend our whole life learning what it means to walk with God.

Paul reminds Timothy that God’s Spirit does not give fear. Fear is not from God. Fear makes us pull back. Fear makes us question our worth. Fear makes us hide. And fear keeps many people from coming close to God because they feel unworthy. But God never calls us through fear. He calls us through love.

The Spirit of God gives power. Not power that comes from pride. Not power that comes from position or strength. But power to trust in God even when things are uncertain. Power to speak truth. Power to forgive. Power to do what is right even when it is difficult.

The Spirit also gives love. It is always difficult to love especially those who have hurt us. But God gives us a love that comes from Him. A love that helps us show patience in moments like the one I had with David. A love that helps us understand others. A love that helps us live as a light in a world that often feels dark.

The Spirit also gives self discipline. This is the part many of us struggle with. Real growth in Christ calls for discipline. It calls for time with the Bible. It calls for intentional prayer. It calls for confessing mistakes. It calls for asking forgiveness. It calls for showing kindness even when we feel tired. But God does not leave us alone. He strengthens us to keep going.

When we belong to God, we can build habits that bring us closer to Him. We can learn. We can grow. We can change. Because His Spirit is working in us.

Living Out This Verse in a Gentle and Simple Way

Today I want to invite you to think about this truth. Think of the situations in your own life where you need God’s power, love, or discipline. Maybe you are a parent like me and you are learning patience. Maybe you are a young believer learning how to trust God. Maybe you are someone who once walked with God but drifted away. Or maybe you know the stories of faith but have never made it personal.

Wherever you are in your journey, God’s Spirit is calling you back. He wants you to experience the kind of life that is full of confidence in Him. Not confidence in yourself, but confidence in His presence and promises.

In Cambodia many people grow up believing that peace can only be found through silence, trying harder, or trying to do more good. But the Bible teaches that real peace comes from God alone. Real strength comes from His Spirit. Real light comes from Jesus.

When we choose to follow Jesus, we do not walk in darkness. We walk in His light. And when His Spirit fills us, we become a light to others. This is how the gospel reaches hearts. Not through pressure. Not through fear. But through lives changed by God.

Five Practical Reflections Today

  1. Where in my life do I need God’s power

  2. Who is God asking me to love today even if it feels difficult

  3. What habit is God asking me to practice with discipline

  4. Which area of my heart still reacts in fear instead of trust

  5. How can I model God’s love and patience to the people around me today

You may write your answers on the blog's message box. You may also share your reflections with me. I would love to hear your thoughts, your stories, and what God is doing in your life.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, thank You for reminding us today that Your Spirit is with us. Thank You for giving us power, love, and discipline. Help us respond with gentleness in every situation. Teach us to listen. Teach us to love. Teach us to walk with confidence in You. Remove fear from our hearts. Strengthen our faith. Guide our steps today. We surrender everything to You. Amen.

If this message spoke to you, please feel free to send me a message. I would love to hear from you. You may be new in faith, returning to faith, or simply looking for encouragement. I am always grateful to reconnect and share God’s goodness with you. 

Blessings to you! 
Tess 💕🙏

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Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

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