Galatians 5:22-23 ESV “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
We’ve come to the last fruit of the spirit…self-control .
"Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control." Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)
Self-control offers a layer of defense to our fragile spirit, just like the walls of a city protect what’s inside.
Is there something specific you struggle with and really need to exercise self-control? All of us are tempted from time to time and many of us have specific things that tempt us more than others. Is it food, your anger, your words, pornogrophy, drugs or alcohol, other addictions, saying yes to everything, shopping? No matter what it is, giving into that temptation can cause it to become an idol in your life.
Many people think that denying ourselves certain things limits us. But have you ever thought that there may be a level of power and freedom in being able to apply self-control in situations that you struggle with? If you have an addiction and you are able to control yourself instead of giving into temptation, you have overcome the power of whatever it is that is holding you back. It is the temptation itself that binds you.
Resisting temptation is hard, and we all face it. Jesus was tempted. But when you are faced with temptation you have a choice. You can give in, or you can resist. But it’s the Holy Spirit that lives within you that helps you overcome your weaknesses. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
When you are tempted, ask God to guide you. If you are easily angered and are tempted to explode in anger, see if you can take a deep breath and say a quick prayer. Always try to remove the temptation, if possible. Try to understand the reason for your temptation. And try to keep the bigger picture in mind, the reason you want to resist the temptation.
Allow the Holy Spirit to move, and allow yourself to experience the freedom that self-control can bring.
Journal Prompt: Are there specific things in my life that are temptations for me? Am I allowing these things to bind me and hold me back? What do I need to do to break free of these addictions or temptations?
Prayer: Lord, that you for freedom. Thank you that I don’t have to be bound by addiction and temptation. Help me to break free and have the ability to experience the freedom that only you can bring. When I am faced with temptation, help me to stay strong and resist by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen
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