Fruits of the Spirit: Self-Control

Self-control is not a fruit that believers may nibble. To be self-controlled is a command. A command to submit to the will of God at all times, in all circumstances, abandoning our selfish desires and sinful pleasures. Peter says, “Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love” (2 Pet. 1:5–7). Self-control is hard work and effort. The Spirit beautifies the church by demonstrating through her that self-denial is our King’s mandate. Our selves and wills are subservient to him—always.