2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control.
If God had given us a spirit of love but not power, we might burn out with frustration over wanting to love but being unable to do what was necessary. If he had given us a spirit of love and power, but not self-control, we might have spent ourselves in an unbalanced and powerful love of something essentially selfish. If he had given us a spirit of power and self-control, but not love, we would have all the ingredients necessary to be the next Adolf Hitler. And if he had given us self-control, but not power and love we might well have become the most introverted and self-absorbed people who ever walked the face of the earth: a race of Stuart Smalleys perpetually examining ourselves in a hypnotic stupor of therapeutic narcissism. But God, who is wise, pours out his Spirit without measure and give us all of what we need"-power, love and self-control"-that we might become the image of Christ. When you face difficulties today, remember you have power, love and self-control.
Mark P. Shea is a Catholic author, blogger, and speaker.
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Power, Love and Self-Control
by Mark Shea on January 18, 2003
2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control.
If God had given us a spirit of love but not power, we might burn out with frustration over wanting to love but being unable to do what was necessary. If he had given us a spirit of love and power, but not self-control, we might have spent ourselves in an unbalanced and powerful love of something essentially selfish. If he had given us a spirit of power and self-control, but not love, we would have all the ingredients necessary to be the next Adolf Hitler. And if he had given us self-control, but not power and love we might well have become the most introverted and self-absorbed people who ever walked the face of the earth: a race of Stuart Smalleys perpetually examining ourselves in a hypnotic stupor of therapeutic narcissism. But God, who is wise, pours out his Spirit without measure and give us all of what we need"-power, love and self-control"-that we might become the image of Christ. When you face difficulties today, remember you have power, love and self-control.
Mark P. Shea is a Catholic author, blogger, and speaker.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OUR READERS
Catholic Exchange is free—but it is not free to produce. Advertising revenue covers only a fraction of the cost to generate reliably Catholic commentary and news, inspiring videos, a selection of the best Catholic blogs, and daily meditations and prayers.
To give us the strength and stability we need, Catholic Exchange is turning to you—our loyal reader—and asking you to become a monthly contributor.
Whether you can give $5 or $25, $50 or $100 each month, please leave something behind so we can continue—and strengthen—this important apostolate.
We are deeply grateful for one-time gifts, but we encourage you to choose “Monthly” on the drop-down menu. Your support will ensure that Catholic Exchange will be here during this most critical moment for the Church and America.
