Self-Control n.
control or restraint of oneself or one’s actions, feelings, etc.
syn. self-discipline, self-restraint, willpower, levelheadedness

Today’s Verse: Galatians 5:22-23

• God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. [CEV]
• But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [NIV]
• But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [[a]that can bring a charge]. [AMPLIFIED BIBLE]
• But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. [KJV]

In Context: Paul was talking to the Galatians about living their beliefs. If one is right with God and filled with the Holy Spirit, it will show in one’s actions. No law can bring about the consistent and persistent change that obedience to the Holy Spirit can bring.

Biblical & Contemporary Connotations: I think they are one and the same, now and then. Living in accord with the Holy Spirit is an expected discipleship constant, yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Journal: My life seemed hopeless. I couldn’t make ends meet from one month to the next. My home life and my work life were stressed to the point they were unbearable and I literally felt like I was living at the bottom of a dank, black well with no way out. For the first time in my life, I understood why people commit suicide. I don’t think I was at that point yet, but I believe I was headed there. That’s when God drove a great big truck into my life.

From the moment I reclaimed my Christian heritage and allowed the Holy Spirit to once again lead me and guide me, my decision-making became clearer and easier. My temptations and confusions lessened. My patience and wisdom grew by leaps and bounds. I could feel myself changing and growing day-by-day, and I very much liked who I was becoming.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who makes it possible for me to tap into your wisdom and strength. I most especially thank you for those times I forget to seek you, and you send the Holy Spirit to seek me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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