Last but not the least of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control. In looking back at the other fruits of the Spirit it seems to me that having self-control actually encompasses all of them. Maybe that is why it's a struggle for me to always maintain self-control. Is it a struggle for you, too?
Let's look at the definition:
Self-control: the ability to control oneself, in particular one's emotions and desires or the expression of them in one's behavior, especially in difficult situations.
2 Timothy 1:7 says, For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
We have that spirit in us when we became Christians, we just need to learn to use it!! Self-control helps us to resist temptation and avoid conforming to the things of this world. It guides our decisions and it correlates how we show the other fruits of the Spirit in our lives. Displaying self-control is more “responding” than “reacting”. Reacting to a situation lets our emotions take control and we are more likely to become angry or defensive and say hurtful things. Responding involves developing a thoughtful response guided by reason instead of emotion. This has been a hard lesson to learn but one I have greatly benefited from: think before you speak, pray before you respond, and then pray harder!
Jesus gave us the perfect example of self-control. He was sinless and possessed every fruit of the spirit. He is our guide in every situation.
God knows we will be tempted. Self-control is HARD but covers all things. It can be as small as saying no to that extra cookie, another 1/2 hour on facebook, road rage, misbehaving children, or as big as saying yes to sobriety or sexual purity.
We have to try our best to have self-control EVERY SINGLE day!!
So the next time you find yourself in a difficult situation remember Jesus and the perfect example He gave us. It is challenging but the rewards will be great!
I found this prayer and would like to share with you:
Good Lord,
Please teach me how to apply moderation to everything I do. Do not let me be carried away with worldly activities and emotions but let me be disciplined and have self-control. Help me to be a better Servant as your Son. Amen.
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