Fruit Of The Spirit- Self Control

The final part of my "Fruit Of The Spirit" series takes a look at the fruit of self control.
I hope this poetry series has been a blessing to you this year and I know it's certainly brought challenges to my own heart as I've studied, written and shared these verses and meditations.
God bless you today and I pray you have a wonderful Christmas week. Love Lucy x

Galatians 5:22-25
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

Fruit Of Focus- Self Control

"Gracious Father, Gentle Saviour, Lord You have been good to me.
Jesus, You have saved my soul and called me to a life that’s free!
Help me Lord, to serve Your people. Keep my heart in check, I pray.
Since I now live by the Spirit, may I walk in step each day.

Holy Spirit, please renew my body, mind, heart and soul.
Manifest Your ways in me and may I practice self-control.
Help me, Lord to regulate the way that I respond in life.
May I exercise restraint, improving health, reducing strife.

Captivate my every thought, help me to be sober-minded.
Purify me in and out and let my life be undivided.
Self-control is sadly lacking in these dark and godless days,
Help me go against the grain to honour You and give You praise!"


Proverbs 16:32
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”

Proverbs 25:28
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”

2 Peter 1:5-7
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”

Food For Thought
Self-control isn’t a flashy concept or something we see splashed across the headlines yet the presence of self-control can make the world of a difference in our various situations and daily lives. It may not come naturally to us but it is something that can be taught, chosen and cultivated and is essential for living a godly, righteous life.

Self-control is something that starts at our very core as it involves our emotions which lead to thoughts, words and finally actions. It’s an important and vital skill which allows us to maintain control of the sinful flesh and it’s desires, whether they be found in the inner sanctions of our heart and mind or outwardly in our words and actions.

It’s interesting to note that true self control is not about bringing ourselves under our own control but under the power of Christ. Of course, non Christians can and do also practice self-control but for the Christian, this practice goes hand-in-hand with love and godliness. It plays a vital role in the conduct of a Christian, so much so that the Bible says it’s an imperative characteristic for any leaders of the Church.

Self-control is a necessary skill that allows us to manage our emotions and work well with others. It helps us regulate and alter responses to avoid undesirable behaviours and achieve more desirable ones. It fosters healthier relationships, fewer unhealthy cravings, improved decision making and improved physical and mental health. Most importantly, self-control reflects the character of God and the Saviour whom we serve.

True self-control is a gift from above, produced in and through us by the Holy Spirit. It is a gift we must receive actively and not passively. The source of our self-control is God but we must be actively involved in opening His gift and putting it into practice within our lives. So how do we do this as Christians? Romans 12:2 tells us,

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Scripture tells us here we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. We can do this by studying God’s Word regularly to gain wisdom and understanding. This will cut through and challenge the things of this world and keep us closely connected to Jesus which in turn will help us exercise self-control.

Proverbs 13:3 declares,

“He who guards his mouth preserves his life,
But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.”

We can exercise self-control in our speech by refraining from gossip or using angry and hurtful words.

Lastly, we can pray! We can seek God’s help through our prayer life and ask for the strength to resist destructive temptations and even keep positive desires in-check through healthy moderation. With the Lord’s help, we can make wise choices and give Him the glory for the outcome.
For the Christian, it’s all about giving glory to God. Even if we were able to muster up the strength to simply say “no” to something and deny the flesh, a sense of pride can creep in as we take the credit for our efforts.
Knowing our self-control is inspired by and gifted to us by God prevents us from becoming proud and self-righteous. Taking glory for what God has done will never lead to a godly witness. Self-control is the Fruit of the Spirit, not the works of the flesh.
May we hold this virtue in high regard and use our lives to share the love of Christ in all its many, multifaceted and wonderful forms!

Questions For Personal Reflection

Would I describe myself as someone who practices self-control? Would those around me agree with my answer? Is self-control something I’ve found quite easy to do or is it something I struggle with? When do I find it hardest to control myself? Are there certain topics of conversation or particular people I find it challenging to practice self-control with? Do I consider self-control to be an extension of God’s love flowing through my life? Do I need to pray and ask God for more self-control?