2 Timothy 1:5-7 
“I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (NLT)

“That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith—and what a rich faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you! And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.” (MSG)

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Be “bold and loving and sensible for Jesus.”

Bold does not mean brash. Instead, it means confident and courageous. A few days ago, we noted that we are not to be jerks for Jesus. (And I got that Amen I’ve been waiting on all these years. Thank you, DM!) 

If what we consider boldness is instead brashness, meaning assertive in a rude or overbearing manner, we can be sure we are not honoring God or serving others. 

We can be confident and courageous in faith and witness because the LORD is our Shepherd (Psalm 23). We belong to Our Father in Heaven (Matthew 6:9). Jesus intercedes for us, and the Holy Spirit empowers us. Nothing can separate us from God’s perfect love. 

Live confidently and courageously.

Living lovingly doesn’t mean getting all touchy-feely with everyone. Some people know how to give a Holy Hug. Learn from them. Learn also when to shake hands instead. Choose kind and empowering words. Give the gift of your presence where silent commiseration speaks louder than speech. Write notes others will save, reflect on, and hold sacred. 

Live lovingly.

Self-discipline is a gift we give ourselves. It gets us going. It gets things done. It improves everything it touches. Self-discipline is sensible. It lives in alignment with wisdom. It is prudent. It is almost always beneficial. 

Live sensibly. 

What a difference three simple ideas can have in our lives and in how we influence others. How will you demonstrate these characteristics today? Write them down. Commit them to memory. Live them in service to yourself and others.

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I will live boldly, lovingly, and sensibly.

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Our Father, grow me in the graces of confidence and courage. Empower me to live lovingly, with extravagant kindness, and with tender and appropriate affection. Make me sensible according to your wisdom and truth. Shape my life in ways that benefit everyone. Amen.