Come Holy Spirit Series Week 10 Part B Fruit of Self Control.

 Come Holy Spirit Series

Come Holy Spirit 

The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control

Scripture:
“…God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7

 

Unlike love or joy, which often flow outward, self-control is inwardly focused — the gift that helps us hold back when every part of us wants to surge forward. It helps us choose the narrow road when the broad road looks easier. It keeps our hearts in check, our tongues from lashing out, our impulses from overruling wisdom.

And yet, self-control isn’t about harsh restriction or rigid repression. Rather, it’s a liberating strength — the Spirit’s gentle yet firm guidance helping us live in alignment with Christ, rather than being pulled about by fleeting emotions or unchecked desires.

 

The Challenge of Self-Control

We all know the moments:

• When anger bubbles up uninvited.
• When we’re tempted to gossip, to snap back, or to indulge in something we know isn’t good for us.
• When we want to run from responsibility, rather than embrace our cross.

Self-control, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is what makes us pause… breathe… and choose Christ.

As St. Paul reminds us, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training… but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:25). This spiritual training — this habit of choosing God over the self — is what slowly transforms us into people of integrity, grace, and true freedom.

 

Cultivating Self-Control

If we’re honest, most of us don’t naturally enjoy limits. But self-control isn’t about denying ourselves for the sake of denial — it’s about surrendering our will in order to grow in holiness.

Here are a few gentle ways to cultivate this fruit in daily life:

• Pause before reacting. Ask, “Is this response rooted in love?”
• Create space for silence. Often, impulsivity grows louder in constant noise.
• Practice fasting — even small ones. Not just food, but anything we’re overly attached to.
• Invite the Holy Spirit into moments of temptation. Whisper, “Lord, reign here too.”

 

A Prayer for Self-Control

Holy Spirit,
You see the places in my life where I struggle to choose wisely.
Teach me to walk in freedom — not according to my desires, but according to Your will.
Strengthen me to pause, to listen, and to choose the better way,
Even when it’s hard.
Grow in me the gift of self-control,
That I may reflect the quiet strength of Christ,
Who gave His all in perfect love.
Amen.

 

Final Thought

The fruit of the Spirit begins with love and ends with self-control — not by accident. The first is the root of all Christian life; the last ensures that love is lived consistently and faithfully, especially when no one is watching.

Let us allow this fruit to take root deep within us, so that even in moments of struggle, we can reflect Christ’s steady hand, His patient heart, and His trust in the Father.