The shower has heard this conversation forty times. Your boss, brother, or friend has heard none of it. The words are ready; you keep waiting for the courage to arrive separately.
Their quiet faithfulness shaped a man who would lead churches. You may be someone's Lois, whether or not you share any blood. Then Paul urges Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God" (verse 6). Gifts can burn low. The Spirit God gave doesn't produce timidity.
He gives power to act, love to steer the action and self-discipline to keep going. He gave you power. The shower has heard enough. Start speaking.
Power has companions
Paul names power alongside love and self-discipline. Read those qualities together. Courage that becomes harshness is missing part of the sentence, and care that refuses every truthful action is not the only form love can take.
Timothy's faith also has a history. Paul remembers Lois and Eunice and speaks personally to someone he knows. Encouragement is rooted in relationship, prayer, and the work before Timothy.
Prepare one necessary conversation. Write what is true, what is kind, and what you're responsible to ask or say. You don't have to rehearse until uncertainty disappears. You may need counsel or support, especially when the other person has behaved harmfully. Courage can include choosing a safer way to communicate.
Let someone else hear the words
Write the necessary sentence in plain language. Check that it is true and kind. Choose a suitable time and a safe way to have the conversation.
One response to try
Prepare and take one modest step you have been rehearsing. Get support if the situation is difficult.
You can take this slowly.