This week’s study is concentrating on self-control, which is the last lesson in our Fruit of the Spirit series. Thank you for joining me this summer, as we have studied The Fruit of the Spirit. I pray it has been a blessing to you.

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

~Galatians 5:22-23a CSB

“Yes ma’am, Mama, but sometimes you know it’s really, really hard to use self-control.”

Newt was patiently and intently listening to his mom explain to him how choosing to use self-control was the right thing to do. He knew this, but to his 2^nd grade mind, it was probably a bit of a challenge to consciously think about how he was going to react to spontaneous situations. But Newt had been taught right from wrong ever since he could remember, and the concept of self-control was nothing new to him.

Newt’s parents had taught him well. He has grown into a fine Christian man who had been a leader all through high school and college and is now following his dream of a career in Agriculture. Newt learned self-control as a child, as well as the other fruits: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness. Newt learned these lessons well.

When we fail to exercise discipline, we can often find ourselves enslaved by unhealthy habits such as overeating, overspending, or by any number of other bad practices. Using self-control reflects Jesus, and God is glorified when we do so.

For apart from me you can do nothing.

~John 15:5b NLT

When we spend time with our Father in prayer each day, when we attempt to live a life pleasing to Him, and when we make Bible study a priority, we can find it easier to use self-control in our decisions and actions. It is not something we can accomplish on our own; we can overcome the obstacles we face only with the help of the Holy Spirit who is the true source of self-control. To become more intentional in learning self-control, there are several things we can do which will help us to become more effective in our walk with the Lord and in living out His will for our life.

Using self-control reflects Jesus, and God is glorified when we do so. #VineWords @venable_wells #TheFruitofSelfControl Click To Tweet

One of the first things we can do is to pray, asking God to show us areas where we lack self-control and to reveal the things which we need in order to grow spiritually. He may show us through studying Scripture or observing others exercise self-control in their daily lives. We can also ask someone we trust to be our accountability partner to help us stay on track. Praying daily for God to help us in using self-control can be one of the most important steps we take toward remaining faithful in our walk with Him.

The fruit of self-control is the hardest fruit for me to live by, personally. I am impulsive and sometimes am guilty of not thinking things through before I act. Or react. I agree with what Newt said to his mom when he was a little boy. Even though I am an adult, sometimes it is hard to exercise self-control. Sometimes it is easier to act hastily. Or to react. My dependence on the Holy Spirit is the only way to let self-control be dominant in my daily walk with the Lord.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

~Ephesians 4:9 NIV

We do not have to be unkind whenever we are treated rudely. We can choose not to react with harsh words or anger, but to act by showing kindness and gentleness. We can speak words which lift spirits and bring encouragement. That person may just be having a bad day, and our words can make a difference in the outcome of their day. God wants us to speak words which build others up. He wants us to use self-control for the betterment of His kingdom, and he is pleased when we do this.

Think of three ways you can teach children to use self-control during their play time.

 Father God, I call upon You today and ask for help in using self-control, whenever I am tempted to have my own way. Help me to always to live out the Fruit of the Spirit in my life. Help me to be obedient in my relationship with You. I also pray that if there are those reading this Bible study who do not know You, that You will draw them by the power of Your Holy Spirit. I thank You, Lord, and give You all praise and honor.

In the holy name of Jesus. Amen.

Copyright 2020: The Fruit of Self Control: Evelyn Mason Wells: All Rights Reserved

Meet Our Contributor

EVELYN MASON WELLS

Evelyn Mason Wells is a Bible study and devotion writer for VineWords: Devotions and More. She is a contributing author to Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships (VineWords Publishing).

She is an award-winning author who has contributed to Heart Renovation: A Construction Guide to Godly Character (2019 Selah finalist, Lighthouse Bible Studies), Glimmers of Heavenly Light (Faith Books & More), Let the Earth Rejoice (Worthy Inspired), Breaking the Chains (2018 Selah finalist, Lighthouse Bible Studies),  Just Breathe (Worthy/Ellie Claire), and Feed Your Soul with the Word of God (Lighthouse Bible Studies).

Evelyn is published at Refresh Bible Study Magazine and Christian Broadcasting Network.

Passionate about glorifying God through her writing and speaking, Evelyn enjoys spending time on short-term mission trips, both domestic and foreign.

Evelyn loves attending Bible studies, spiritual retreats, and having good conversation with friends over lunch or a glass of tea. She is an avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves. She enjoys good books, her cats, traveling, and spending time with her family—especially her grandchildren.

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