Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
We have reached the last of the series of the Fruit of the Spirit, the last component, quality we require and most important, Self-Control. For me, self-control is still a work in progress. Self-control is the ability to control our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Itr is one of the qualities that we can achive fully with the help of the Holy Spirit.
“Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.” Titus 1:8
Self-control is corelated with most of the Fruit of the Spirit, for example, gentleness, patience, faithfulness and so forth. It holds much said importance as it developes our responses rather than our reactions. When an unwanted situation arises, we usually let our emotions take control, leading us into anger, hate, defensiveness or hurting others.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
There are times when we face multidues of temptations, the only way to keep us from giving in is self-control, which we recieve through the Holy Spirit. Our perfect example to take is Jesus Himself, Him being fully man and fully God, He not only had to face backlash from people around Him but humanly desires and temptations as well.
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” James 1:19–20
Jesus demonstrated self-control because He was sent to earth to carry out the Father’s will. He was to live a perfect life in order to set an example for us, and in the end, He died for our sins so that we may have eternal life. He knew what He was sent for, and He submitted to God’s plan and purpose, if he didn’t have self-control we wouldn’t have the gift of eternal life but rather would’ve had to face death because of our sins.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philpians 4:8–9
In our daily lives, we will have to face many temptations and trials, rather than yeild to the works of the evil one who would bring unrest and discord, we submit ourselves to God, put on the armour of God (Ephesians 6;10-20), and resist the devil.
James 4:7 “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you”
Trust in the Lord and he will make your paths straight, let go and let God take over.
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 1 Peter 1:3–4
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:5–8
Finally, a verse to remember and keep you on track Philipians 4:13 that reads, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
