Fruit of the Spirit: SELF-CONTROL
“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
It is truly remarkable to believe that we have reached the end of the Fruit of the Spirit study. When God put it on my heart to dive into the different fruits, I had no idea that He was going to reveal Himself in new ways all throughout this summer. Not only was I learning about Him, but He has been teaching me so much more about Jesus’s character.
The final virtue that is listed in the fruits of the spirit is self-control. This is the ability to control oneself. In the King James Version, it is listed as temperance, which means “the quality of moderation or to control oneself”. This characteristic is all about being able to hold back from our desires and impulses that do not align with God’s calling. Through everything we have learned so far in this study though, we should know that this virtue does not come from us alone, but from the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. It is not us alone that makes us Christian or grows us in our faith. That’s why they are called the fruit of the Spirit. They are only possible through the Holy Spirit.
This idea of self-control is not only seen this, but all the way back to the Old Testament, and all throughout scripture. Proverbs 16:32 says: “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” Self-control is shown to be a strength, rather than just a physical power.
Self-control is a strength. Self-control is what helps us resist our sin, impulses, and temptations rather than allowing them to control us. Self-control is what allows us to love others in the way God intended us to.
Self-control is not just something that gets handed to us. It takes practice and diligence.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 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 12:1-2
We are called not to conform to the pattern of the world, but to be transformed. God wants us to be devoted to Him with our bodies and our minds. To not just read His word, but to live it. To not just know how to pray, but to actually build a relationship with our Savior. Spiritual practices such as prayer, solitude, Sabbath, scripture reading, tithing, and serving can all help us reorient our lives around Christ. As we practice these actions and gradually cultivate self-control, the Spirit strengthens us from within and continually transforms our desires to become more aligned with the will of God.
Maybe you have read through all of our fruit of the Spirit blogs, or maybe this is your first one. Either way, we are glad you are here! For rest of this study, I am going to add some reflection questions:
Which Fruit of the Spirit has God been teaching you the most about throughout this study? Why do you think He has been putting that fruit on your heart?
Which Fruit of the Spirit is the hardest for you to live out in your everyday life? Why do you think that is?
What is one area of your life where you struggle with self-control? What would it look like to surrender that area to God?
Romans 12:1-2 calls us to be transformed instead of conforming to the world. What is one way you feel God is calling you to live differently?
What spiritual practice could you start being more intentional about to help you grow closer to Jesus?
Where have you seen God’s faithfulness in this season of your life?
Take a moment to sit with God and ask Him, “What are You asking me to surrender, and what are You asking me to grow in?” Allow Him to speak.
As we end this summer long study, it is important to remember that these nine things are not just characteristics to check off a list. They are evidence of the Holy Spirit working in us to transform our lives to look more like Jesus.
God, thank You for walking with us through this study and for showing us more of who You are. Help us to continue growing in the Fruits of the Spirit and to remember that we cannot do this on our own. Holy Spirit, transform our hearts, our minds, and our desires so that they align more closely with You. Continue revealing yourself to us. Amen.
