“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23
Here’s Lori Laws’ definition of self control: Holding back of immediate gratification for the promise of something better.
What happens to us inside when we get offended? Do we think about getting revenge? How about getting even? I’ll admit that sometimes I… metaphorically speaking… stick a knife deep into someone, and slowly turn that knife. I love to get the last word in. Can anyone relate? This truth hurts, and it’s something I’m working on… rather… it’s something I’m leaning and depending on God to help me work on:)
Yesterday’s post on Gentleness and the power of our words, totally speaks about self-control.
“Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.” Proverbs 13:3
James recognized this and said, “The tongue is a flame of fire.” James 3:6
So we need to think before we speak, and think before we react. My Bible tells me that if I can control this small but powerful member, I can control the rest of my body. What we say probably affects people more than any other action we take.
But remember, God says, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back. In due time their feet will slip. Their day of disaster will arrive, and their destiny will overtake them.”
Deuteronomy 32:35
God says He will avenge. If you put your faith in Him, He will never let you down. Self-control speaks to every area of our lives. But again, James gives us these heartfelt words: “Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.” James 3:2
If you have received Jesus as your Lord and Savior…if you are a child of the Living God…You are a work in progress.
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6