Goodness & Self-Control

Greetings and Welcome to day 5 of “O Give Thanks”.  I pray that during this week of fasting and prayer you have been strengthened in the Lord.

Today’s focus is centered around Gentleness and Self-control. The last Two fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:23.

Gentleness

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

Gentleness is the character that shows calmness, personal care, tenderness and the love of Christ. The Holy Spirit’s work in our lives enables us to be humble, obedient and trusting to His will and precepts. When we obey in humility, gentleness follows.

Gentleness comes from your personal time spent with God in prayer and with the help of the Holy Spirt. It is not weakness but is strength under control. Gentleness allows us to be caring and nurturing to others. It helps us stay calm and not escalate problems. Gentleness allows us to build up others and not tear them down.

Self-Control

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

Self-control is walking in the Spirit, allowing God to be in control of your life, will and heart. This allows us to have discipline and restraint, in obedience to God and others.

The opposite of self-control is self-indulgence and giving in to sin.

If the Holy Spirit does not have our focus, then who or what will? Sin, pride and desire will cause us to fall in our Christian journey. Too much excess will leave you empty and alone.

Christ was our greatest example of self-control. Self-control will help deliver us from the temptations of sin, by being focused on Christ and not the sins of this world.  Remember we are in the world but not of this world.  God desires that we enjoy life, but he also desires that we operate out of the fruits of the Spirt while doing so.

Gentleness and self-control are not about being weak. It is the opposite; it is about being strong. It is about being considerate and aware of how you communicate and treat others. Jesus Christ was the most powerful man who ever lived, and he was also the embodiment of Gentleness and Self-control.

Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit let us also walk in the Spirit.

For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

In Jesus name. Amen

Evangelist Victoria Simon