A mall in Omaha, Nebraska. A movie theater in Aurora, Colorado. An elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. A neighborhood in Isla Vista, California. A church in Charleston, South Carolina. A community college in Roseburg, Oregon. A holiday party in San Bernardino, California.

This sampling of recent events has left many parents fearful of allowing their children out of their sight. Whether it’s playing in the yard, watching a movie, or even going to school, today’s parents face fears that many of us did not. What can we say to children who are growing up hearing phrases such as lockdown drill, soft target, and active shooter?

A young man named Timothy grew up with similar fears. He was planning toward a preaching career; but, in his day 2,000 years ago, that occupation was far from safe. Paul, an older pastor and apparent family friend, wrote a letter to young Timothy to encourage the young man in the midst of the violent uncertainty. (His words bore extra significance, given that Paul was writing from prison, having been arrested for doing the very thing that he was encouraging Timothy to do.)

One of his sentences is especially compelling: “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7, New Revised Standard Version).

Consider the words…

Fear is not a God-quality. The word, translated “cowardice” above, comes from the word “dread.” Dreading something causes us to avoid meaningful moments and miss life experiences, because of the anxiety of what could happen. There may be many causes for this fear, but God is not one of them. (See Genesis 3:10. Fear was mankind’s response to sin.) God did not create us to live in fear.

“Power” is a God-quality. The English word “dynamite” comes from this Greek word. It is power from within. Isn’t that great? God designed us with the power to overcome our fears. We are far from helpless in spite of recent events.

“Love” is a God-quality. This one doesn’t seem to fit. What good does love offer in the midst of violence? The answer lies in the kind of love Paul describes. It is a sacrificial love that puts the other person first. God has instilled within us the ability to put others ahead of ourselves. Think selfishness…this is the opposite.

“Self-discipline” is a God-quality. The word that Paul uses here means to rein in our impulsive thoughts. God has given us the ability to control our reactions. My parents used to say we should count to 10 before we react. God gives us the self-control to count to 10.

What do these words mean in a world where we are taught to look around more carefully whenever we gather with others?

God does not wish for us to live in fear. Instead, He planted within our DNA three characteristics to overcome fear: power, love, and self-discipline. Look up for the power, because it comes from God, not other people nor other things. Look beyond for the love, because the ultimate spiritual answer to violence lies in a world where people seek the best for others, not themselves. Look within for the self-discipline, because God has given us the ability to control how we respond.

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