Fruits of the Spirit Series - Self-Control

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Wow, what a year it has been so far! We are finally at the conclusion of this series with our final fruit: self-control.

The Oxford dictionary defines self-control as “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.” How many times have you had to exhibit self-control in difficult situations? How many times have you lost control or seen someone lose control? Did it feel good in the moment? Were there regrets?

… for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. -2 Timothy 1:7

As a toddler mom, self-control is such a biggie. While they are in the phase of learning to regulate and express their emotions, we must be patient and give grace by not matching their negative emotions and losing control. This is how they learn how to be humans, by watching how we handle things. On days of overstimulation and being tired and hungry, it can be difficult to remain level-headed while my toddler is having a huge meltdown in a public place. However, it’s so important because not only are we their role models, but we are also their safe space. God created parents to be stewards over our children by granting us the authority to care for them and teach them His principles. It is our Kingdom duty to use this and the other fruits to do so.

At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him. -Mark 1:12-13

We should be so grateful that God remains in control while also practicing self-control. Although it pains Him to see us fail and try things our way instead of His, He restricts Himself from overstepping the boundaries of our free will. He never closes His outstretched hand to us, but gives us room to figure it out. When Jesus was fasting and praying for 40 days in the desert and the devil tempted Him, Jesus used self-control because He already walked in such high authority that He knew He didn’t have to bow down to the devil’s requests to accomplish the greater goal—salvation for humanity (Mark 1:12-13). Imagine if He would’ve given in? What would that have meant for us?

Reflection and Application

How can you exhibit self-control this week?
How can you apply this fruit more to your overall life?
Please read the following scriptures: 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Timothy 1:7, Proverbs 25:28, 1 Peter 4:7, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, and 2 Peter 1:5-9

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