What is a “Spirit of Fear” (2 Timothy 1:7)?

2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Second Timothy 1:7 is often used to bring comfort during times of fear. What does it mean in context?

The Book of 2 Timothy is a letter that was written by the Apostle Paul to Timothy, a Christian leader in the city of Ephesus. In 2 Timothy 1:7–8, Paul encouraged Timothy not to be ashamed of the Gospel.

In verse 7, Paul explained how God helps us not to be ashamed of the Gospel. The Greek word for “fear” is deilia (δειλία), which means “a lack of mental or moral strength”, or “cowardice” (BDAG). In this context, a spirit of cowardice is being ashamed of the Gospel. In verse 8, the word “therefore” expresses that because God has not given us a spirit of cowardice, we should not be ashamed of the Gospel, but rather be ready to suffer for the Gospel.

God has given us a spirit, but it is not a spirit of cowardice. Rather, this spirit is “of power” because it enables us to suffer for the Gospel “by the power of God” (v. 8). This spirit is “of love” because we are motivated by love to share the Gospel with people even if it involves suffering (2 Tim. 2:10; Rom. 1:16). This spirit is “of a sound mind” because it gives us boldness to share the Gospel even at the risk of suffering.

There are many reasons why we might be ashamed of the Gospel. After all, the world hates the Gospel and despises those who believe in it. Yet, 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God has given us a spirit that enables us by his power, motivates us by love, and strengthens us with sound-mindedness to share the Gospel with people so that they might believe in Jesus Christ for salvation.