*Are you new to my Fruit of the Spirit Devotion Series? In order to get the best experience with the content, check out the following parts of this series before reading this one.
Post 1 (Intro), Post 2, Post 3, Post 4, Post 5, Post 6, Post 7, Post 8
It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”
(Philippians 2:13)
The last spiritual fruit is self-control, and it is all about being restrained and using discretion.With the help of the Holy Spirit, we develop the amount of control we have over our thoughts, words, and actions. Believers need self-control to be able to show God’s character in every situation. Self-control is also needed in order to truly demonstrate all other spiritual fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness.
With the power of the Holy Spirit working within us, we are able to have better control over what we do, what we think, and what comes out of our mouths. Because of the Holy Spirit, we have the ability to refuse to give in to our sinful nature, showing self-control in everything instead.
God wants us to have self-control so that we can live a life of selflessness. In terms of our relationships with others, we should always choose to believe the best about someone. As we practice self-control, we gain more freedom! This is because practicing self-control leads to good stewardship and so much more. For example, when we take control over our thoughts, actions, and words, we are free from a number of things including: having a guilty conscious, living an unhealthy lifestyle, and giving in to over-indulgence. Freedom allows us to live in a manner that is reflective of Christ; with a good frame of mind and heart, having a positive influence on others.
REFLECTING THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: Self- Control
Application: Demonstrating More Self- Control
The opportunity is always there to control our words, actions, and our attitude in every situation. Sometimes we fall short, but it’s important to learn each time and begin to recognize patterns and triggers that cause us to lose our self-control. Keep a journal and at the end of each day, jot down any areas where you notice you lack self-control and want to improve on. Brainstorm ways to show more self-control for the next time you are in each of those situations. Pray daily for God to help you show more self-control at all times.
Weekly Reflection: The Power of Words
When we are careful with our words, we save ourselves from overreacting and saying things that hurt, and later having to deal with the effects of a guilty conscious. In stressful situations, we have the ability to overcome how we feel by using the word of God as our strength. Finding scriptures that uplift and empower you during stressful circumstances and keeping them handy to recite when needed shows a great deal of self-control instead of doing what your fleshly nature wants you to do. Meditating on and memorizing verses can help you to make the right decision no matter what the situation.
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”(Colossians 4:6)
Each spiritual fruit works for us, making us more Christ-like in character. While working for us, each spiritual fruit also works against the enemy! God regularly demonstrates each attribute in His relationship with us. When we are spirit led, we produce an accurate reflection of the Father to everyone we encounter.
Additional Verses to Further Study Fruit of the Spirit: Self- Control
Prayer Starter:
“Lord, I want to be more like you. With the help of your Spirit, I am able to show your character to everyone. Continue to develop each spiritual fruit strong in me, all for your glory.”
Thanks for joining me on the Fruit of the spirit series! I post new weekly devotions every Sunday 🙂 Don’t forget to subscribe if you found this helpful and please share this with a friend!
