Self Control

Day 18 – Self-Control

Scripture
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22–23 (ESV)

Self-control is listed last in the fruit of the Spirit, but that does not mean it is least important. In many ways, it reaches to the very core of who we are. Self-control deals with our desires, impulses, appetites, and choices. It touches the places in us where we feel weakest and most exposed.

Most of us can relate to the struggle. We set goals to eat better, be healthier, speak more kindly, or respond more patiently. We start strong, then life happens. Stress builds. Temptation shows up. Ice cream, comfort, distraction, or old habits begin to call our name. If we are honest, we all know what it feels like to lose control in moments we wish we had handled differently.

Paul is not talking about self-control that we simply will into existence through discipline or determination. This is not about white-knuckling our way into holiness. The self-control described in Galatians 5 is something the Holy Spirit produces in us. It is Spirit-governed strength, not self-powered effort.

Biblically speaking, self-control goes deeper than behavior modification. It is about surrender. It is a posture of the heart that says, “I want to please God today more than I want to please myself.” When we surrender our desires, impulses, and appetites to the Holy Spirit, He begins to shape our responses from the inside out.

Think of self-control like a filter placed over the heart and mind. It helps us discern between good and bad, truth and lies, wisdom and impulse. It does not remove temptation, but it gives us strength to respond differently when temptation comes.

Self-control also works alongside love. Love fuels self-control because when we love God deeply, we begin to want what He wants more than what our flesh craves. Over time, surrender leads to strength. Obedience leads to freedom. And the Spirit produces a steady, growing self-control that reflects the life of Jesus.

This fruit reminds us that growth in Christ is not about becoming more like our old selves with better habits. It is about becoming more like Jesus through daily surrender to the Holy Spirit.

Reflection
Where do you feel most aware of your lack of self-control right now
Is there an area of your life you are trying to manage on your own instead of surrendering to the Spirit
What would it look like today to say, “Holy Spirit, I trust You to lead me here”

Prayer
Holy Spirit, I confess that there are areas of my life where I struggle to surrender control. I often try to fix myself through effort instead of trusting You to change me from within. Today, I invite You into my desires, impulses, and decisions. Help me want what You want. Teach me to say yes to You more than I say yes to myself. Produce in me the fruit of self-control so that my life reflects Jesus more clearly. I surrender again today. Amen.