1 From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will, sent to proclaim the promised life which we have in union with Christ Jesus —
2 To Timothy, my dear son:May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.
3 I give thanks to God, whom I serve with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did. I thank him as I remember you always in my prayers night and day.
4 I remember your tears, and I want to see you very much, so that I may be filled with joy.
5 I remember the sincere faith you have, the kind of faith that your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice also had. I am sure that you have it also.
6 For this reason I remind you to keep alive the gift that God gave you when I laid my hands on you.
7 For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control.