Galatians 5:22-23
“22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Today I want to focus on “self-control”.
For self-control helps us to resist temptation and avoid conforming to the things of this world. It guides our decisions, and it correlates with the other virtues in this list…
For example, patience, requires self-control. As Proverbs 14:29 says, “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
You see, displaying self-control is often a matter of responding rather than reacting. When we react to a situation, we let our emotions take control. Which makes us more likely to become defensive and say hurtful things. Responding, however, involves developing a thoughtful response that is guided by reason more than emotions.
As Christians, our responses to situations are to be guided by the fruit of the Spirit and have self-control.
How many times have you said or done something and immediately wished you could take it back and have a redo? How many times have you seen the look of hurt on someone’s face and knew you were the one who put it there?
You see, one of the keys to successful living is self-control. That means controlling our emotions, our desires, our passions, and yes, our tongues (which includes even what we post or comment).
Self-control is about self-discipline.
The Bible compares it to sports. It says, “Run your race to win. Everyone who competes in the game exercises self-control in all things.”
Self-control is essential to success!
You see, Self-control is one of the ways by which others will know that you are a child of God and we need to demonstrate self-control every day.
Jesus Christ gives us the perfect example of self-control, because He lived a sinless life. And He demonstrated self-control perfectly.
Just like in the story where Peter cuts off a man’s ear when Judas came to betray his Lord. (Luke 22:47-51 ESV)
It is almost as if Jesus healed the ear on reflex. (You can read of this account in Luke 22:47-51). But listen to what Jesus said in verse 51, ““No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him.”
…Jesus, reached up and heals His enemy’s ear.
Now, I also want you to consider Jesus’ response to Peter’s lack of self-control because this gives us all hope!
Jesus did not condemn his rash disciple… Instead, Jesus stepped in and called for different behavior. Jesus didn’t belittle or dismiss Peter; rather, He redirected him.
Oh, my dear friends, let’s rest in that grace today.
When anger rises and words slip, and we come repenting to our Savior, know that He forgives and points us in a constructive direction.
Yes, Life Happens… and the Holy Spirit can work the same change in us.
He can move us from hastiness to thoughtfulness, from lack of self-control to discipline… All you need to do is ask the Lord to fill your heart until you overflow with the fruit of the Spirit.
Let’s bear fruit that lasts for His glory!
And, while it may seem challenging, your reward will be great.
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