Fruit of the Spirit
Self-control
Saying no to what harms and yes to what honours God.
What this is
Self-control is the God-given ability to rule your desires instead of being ruled by them: your body, appetites, words, screen and temper.
Self-control is freedom, not grim willpower: being able to choose what is good instead of being dragged by every impulse.
Grace teaches you to say no to ungodliness. The Spirit gives the power; you plan ahead, remove triggers and ask for help. Sin's power is broken, and with God's help you can win any temptation.
In Jesus
After forty days of fasting, Jesus was hungry and the devil tempted Him to turn stones into bread. He answered with Scripture and would not use His power for Himself (Matthew 4:1-4).
When it's missing
giving in, binges, saying what you regret
My verses
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age.
Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper.
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 an escape, so that you can stand up under it.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Where to next
- Know your trigger timesWrite down when you usually give in: late at night, tired, alone. Plan something else for those times.
- Remove the easy accessDelete the app, clear the shelf, block the site. Make the wrong choice harder.
- Pray at the first pullWhen temptation starts, pray right away: Jesus, help me now. Then change place or activity.
- Tell someone you trustTell one mature Christian about your struggle and ask them to check in weekly.
- Fast from one thingGive up one small comfort for a week, like a show or social media, and pray when you miss it. If you've ever struggled with eating, don't fast from food.
Tested most in
Pray
Lord, You have given me a spirit of power, love and self-control. When I am tempted, show me the way out and give me strength to take it.