Memory Verse:
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7
The dictionary says that self-control is the control or restraint of one’s actions or feelings. Another way to look at it is that you don’t always do what you want to do in that moment. The impulse may be there, but you don’t act on it or give in to that impulse.
Jesus was our perfect example. Think of the self-control it took for Jesus when he was before Pilate or when he was hanging on the cross. At any moment he could have used His power, but He chose not to. Instead He died for our sins and rose three days later like He promised He would. He came back and left us with another promise of the Holy Spirit to be our Helper.
“As Jesus was leaving he told us, ‘But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.’” John 14:26
God never wants us to fight our battles alone. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray in Matthew 6:9-13, He encouraged them to pray that God would help them to resist temptation and to deliver them from evil. Pray daily that God will help you learn self-control in every situation.
“God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
In those moments you feel tempted to lose control of your emotions, take a few minutes to pause, pray, and ask God for strength.
A powerful way to help practice self-control is to spend time reading scripture that will help teach you in this area. There are many that speak of self-control. Here are two:
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” James 1:19-20
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” Proverbs 16:32
Ask someone close to you to help you see moments you may lose self-control. Often times when we may not see it in ourselves and need someone to hold us accountable to our actions. This could be a parent, coach, or trusted friend. Be willing to learn and see the areas you need help.
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