The Godly Character of Self-Control

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-control. -2 Timothy 1:7

Self-control is a gift of the Holy Spirit. It has been defined as the ability to control your emotions and behavior in the face of temptations and impulses, but in our own efforts, we have all experienced a lack of self-control at one time or another.

It’s only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to resist the temptations that are common to man because He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear and He will provide a way of escape if we choose to follow His leading.

Jesus told us that in this world we will have trouble, but to take heart because He has overcome the world. He then gave His Holy Spirit to dwell within us and to be an advocate to help and be with us forever.

Exercising self-control might be hard, but we are strong enough in Christ. Jesus has won the battle, removed sin’s power, and has empowered us to make the right choices. And because of that, we can say with confidence, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

When we feel like we’re struggling with self-control, praying God’s word becomes our life preserver. Jesus set the example when He was tempted by saying, “It is written…” and then repeatedly quoted scripture. God’s word and prayer are effective weapons that will strengthen us and help us develop the godly character of self-control.