Self-control is the last fruit that is mentioned in the fruit of the Spirit. It is about being able to control our emotions and actions to do what is right. In 1 Corinthians 10:23, it says, "You say, 'I am allowed to do anything'—but not everything is good for you. You say, 'I am allowed to do anything'—but not everything is beneficial." To exercise self-control in our lives is to be able to think before we say or do anything. The danger of not thinking through things before we say or do something is that we may say or do things that are harmful to us and others. How many times we had to regret something that we had done or said in the past? We wished that we could go back to the past and corrected them.
If we want to live a godly life, we need to practice self-control, like an athlete. In 1 Corinthians 9:25, it says, "Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things..." When an athlete is in training, he follows a set of rules that will make him faster and stronger. He has a certain amount of food to eat and the amount of time to rest. His mind is focused on winning the competition, and he is willing to do anything to prepare himself for winning the prize. I know that most of us are not professional athletes, but we need to practice the same principles in our lives.
If we want to grow in our relationship with the Lord, we need to watch what we say and do. We need to avoid saying words that are hurtful, mean, or untrue to others. In the same manner, we need to avoid doing things that are not pleasing to God. In Proverbs 25:28, it says, "A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls." Having no self-control is a very dangerous life to live by because there is nothing to guard ourselves against saying and doing things that will destroy our lives. If we are struggling to control our actions, we need to ask the Lord for help. God is always there to help us practice self-control so that we can continue to grow in our relationships with Him.
Ask yourself these questions: What is self-control? Is there anything in my life today that I am struggling to control? What can I do if I am struggling to practice self-control?
Write down all the worries that you are facing today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank you for teaching me about self-control today. Please help me to practice self-control in my life. Please help me to think before I say or do things so that I will be able to avoid hurting myself and others. Thank you for your goodness in my life. I give you all the glory and honor. Please help me now with (mention your prayer requests). In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.