It’s not unusual for teenagers to be embarrassed when their parents witness for Christ to strangers in public settings. It even happens to adults when one of their friends stops to witness to someone. It’s understandable for children to be embarrassed; it is less understandable when adults have the same reaction.

The apostle Paul reminded Timothy not to be embarrassed (“ashamed”) of two things: Jesus Christ Himself or of his imprisoned friend and mentor. Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy in the final season of his life when he was imprisoned in Rome. Just as Peter had once denied knowing Christ, it would be easy for Timothy to deny knowing the imprisoned apostle. It is worth remembering that Christ told His followers that those who denied Him “before men” He would deny before the Father in heaven (Matthew 10:33).

Take every opportunity to stand for Christ and to stand with those who speak boldly for Him.

Be not ashamed of your faith; remember it is the ancient gospel of martyrs, confessors, Reformers, and saints. Above all, it is the truth of God, against which the gates of hell cannot prevail.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon