Why should Christians not fear persecution for their faith?

In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul writes that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. This reassurance is fundamental to Christian living, especially in the face of persecution or societal rejection. Christ Himself warned us that we would face tribulations (John 16:33), but empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can endure hardships for the sake of the Gospel. When we rely on God’s strength instead of our own, we can stand firm in our convictions, bear witness to His truth, and rejoice in suffering, knowing it is part of our calling to follow Christ.