Fruits of the Spirit, continued

Belinda has provided our thoughts for today . . .

Self-Control

To have self-control, we must restrain ourselves in action and word.

Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32

What does having self-control mean for us personally?

We are to:

·         Resist the temptation to break God's law.

·         Say no to lust and infatuation.

·         Make peace instead of adding to conflict.

·         Patiently bear with others.

·         Not automatically look out for self.

·         Be faithful and not have that faith shattered by mockers.

·         Go through the narrow gate toward good.

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. Titus 3: 1-2

As the song says, Jesus could have called ten thousand angels to rescue him from the horror to come. But He rebuked the devil's temptations and followed through.  With the exception of the money lenders, Jesus was never harsh in His pointing out sin. He was never mean when someone begged him to help. And as he was beaten and tortured, he never lashed out those who were hurting him.  Talk about self-control--He defined it!

So why do WE need to have self-control anyway??? I believe it is part of our witness. Living a life as the Lord commanded, showing others that we are not conditioned to this world, but are set apart. In our response to aggravation, fear, anger, temptation, we show others where we stand with God. That is what we are meant to do. That is furthering the gospel.