But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
(Galatians 5:22-23)
Every believer needs self-control! It’s a mark that signifies we are walking with God. Looking at what self-control does and doesn’t do can help you with your own personal struggle in you daily battle for self-control.
What does self-control do? When you are walking by the Spirit, His self-control is evident and reflects these strengths:
- Self-control controls and checks the self.
- Self-control restrains the self.
- Self-control disciplines and masters the self.
- Self-control holds in and commands the self.
- Self-control says, “NO!” to self.
What does self-control not do? Knowing at what God’s self-control isn’t helps us understand this important fruit of the Spirit:
- Self-control does not yield to temptation.
- Self-control does not give in to desires.
- Self-control does not participate in sin.
- Self-control does not indulge itself.
- Self-control does not satisfy itself.
Self-control is a fruit of strength. By God’s grace, you can be this strong—strong enough not to do these things.
Read Conquering The Battle Of Self-Control on Elizabeth & Jim George.