2 Timothy 1:7

This is Paul's last known letter, written from prison, to a young and probably insecure disciple. In the previous verses he recalls the faith Timothy inherited from his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice, and asks him to stir up the gift he received.

Verse 7 gives the reason. The word translated "fear" or "timidity" indicates a paralyzing shyness, not ordinary fear in the face of danger — the Bible treats the latter as natural.

The contrast is built in three: power (capacity that does not come from yourself), love (motivation that keeps power from becoming abuse) and self-control (balance that keeps love from becoming impulse).

It is one of the verses most used by people who have to speak in public, take on a new responsibility or hold an unpopular position. And, read in full, it avoids two extremes: neither paralysis nor arrogance.