“Which, having no chief, officer or ruler,” Proverbs 6:7 NASB
The fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 is a list of the 9 characteristics we receive as the result of the growth of the Holy Spirit within us after salvation. All of them seem very rewarding. However, there is one which doesn’t seem to belong on the list. Self-control appears to be out of place. I want the love and peace stuff, but I’m not that excited about self-control. Oh, to be sure, I want to be self-controlled. We all know people whose lack of self-control has led to disaster in their relationships and personal lives. My lack of self-control is evident in the extra 10 pounds or so that I carry around, among other things. The attribute of self-control sounds like work. The reality of this verse is that as we focus on growing in our relationship with God, the byproduct is that the 9 fruits of the Spirit grow stronger in our life. As we walk in this relationship, we will see an increase in our love of others, our joy (regardless of situation), peace in the storms, and on and on for all nine “fruit”. Including self-control. You won’t need others telling you “don’t” or “do”. You will have the voice of God Himself telling you and the unstoppable power of His Spirit to help you obey. Today practice self-control and watch God work. #BeTheEdge
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NASB
