Don't Be Ashamed, Timothy

Timothy was not a novice in the faith; he was not slothful,indifferent, or uncommitted. But he was timid, and the apostle Paul exhorts him to not be ashamed of 'the testimony' of the Lord, which is in reference to the gospel, as is evidenced by the following: 'be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel.' Timothy saw Paul in jail; he saw others around him being persecuted and afflicted for the gospel's sake. Paul encouraged him not be be ashamed. How we all need this exhortation!