Self-control is the last segment of the fruit of the spirit which is mentioned in Galatians 5: 22-23. Self-control is the ability to resist temptation and to exercise restraint over our thoughts, words, emotions and actions.
Can this noble virtue be cultivated in each of us?
Oh yes! We all can develop self-control when we surrender our lives to God and live in total obedience to Him. As we employ self-control in our thoughts, speech and actions, we will grow in our relationship with Christ as we strive to reflect His character.
One area where we need self-control is in our thoughts. Our minds can be a battlefield, and the enemy often tries to plant thoughts of fear, doubt, and insecurity in our minds. However, we have the power to resist these thoughts and to replace them with the truth of God’s Word. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. By focusing our thoughts on these things, we can exercise self-control over our minds and resist the enemy’s attacks.
Another area where we need self-control is in our speech. The words we speak have the power to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage, to bless or curse. “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” -Ephesians 4:29. In addition, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
-Colossians 4:6
We too need to demonstrate self-control in our behavior. Our actions are a reflection of our character, and they have consequences that can either be positive or negative. It is often said that we are the only bible that some people would ever read. Can the world see Jesus in you? We need to exercise self-control over our behavior. As a believer in Christ, God is expecting you to “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. -Matthew 5:16
Self-control is not something that comes naturally to us. It’s a fruit of the Spirit that is developed through the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. It requires discipline, focus, and a willingness to surrender our desires to God’s will.
The bible encourages us with scriptures such as this, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:” -Philippians 2:5
I pray that as you grow in your relationship with Christ, you will learn to rely on His strength as He guides you in producing the fruit of self-control in all areas of your life.
