Friend, today we come to the final element of the Fruit of the Spirit: self-control.
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
As a recovering addict, I used to think self-control was a Fruit of the Spirit that escaped me. I’ve never done ONE of anything. What do I know about self- control?
In his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul presents the Fruit of the Spirit as a contrast to the acts of the flesh.
Fruit of the Spirit
vs.
Acts of the Flesh
Paul paints a holistic picture of the miraculous transformation that occurs within us when we live by the Spirit.
As the last fruit listed, self-control is believed to be the most challenging to cultivate. Self-control is fundamental to us as believers if we desire to live a life congruent with our commitment to Christ.
From a biblical perspective, self-control is more than just restraining our impulses. Cultivating self-control means actively choosing to live by God’s directives instead of being led by our fleeting desires, societal norms, or cultural pressures. Practicing self-control requires a deliberate alignment of our will with God’s will. It calls for us to make a daily decision to walk in the Spirit—something we cannot do apart from the Holy Spirit dwelling in us.
I frequently hear our homeless guests claim that what keeps them on the streets is the perceived freedom that they enjoy. It’s heartbreaking to see them believe and live out this facade. For them, freedom is a lie ending in deadly consequences.
Truth be told, through practicing self-control, we find freedom. This freedom is not the lie that says we live without boundaries or expectations. It is not a license to do anything we want. Rather, self-control affords us the freedom to choose what is good, what is noble, and what is true. Self-control allows us to harness our desires to serve a greater purpose.
Growing in self-control is not a journey we undertake alone; it is the work of the Holy Spirit molding us, shaping us, and fueling us to live a life pleasing to our Holy Almighty God.
I pray you’ve been blessed by our jaunt examining the Fruit of the Spirit. Please let me know how this journey has impacted you.
What would you like to unpack next?
Know you are loved.
Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™
The Devotional Guy™ 
I’m glad that my post provided you with fresh insight, David. I think that’s always good when we can do that for one another, as you’ve done so often for me and others, through your posts. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
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It’s a new insight to me when you say self-control is the fruit of the Spirit that allows the others to ripen. Thank you, brother! God Bless.
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