SPIRIT LED SELF CONTROL
“A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.” – Proverbs 12:16New Living Translation
There are certain attributes that don’t come naturally to man. Self-Control can tend to be one of them. Staying calm in the face of ridicule or insults by someone who feels the need to do so can be a little hard to take, but unfortunately, it’s a part of life. People who don’t understand you or your lifestyle act out of frustration. Frankly, they may not know any better. Holding your tongue will be a positive example in the face of such provocation.
There are 2 other place in Proverbs that speak on this: Proverbs 10:12 & 29:11. Proverbs 10:12 says, “Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.” Hate is such an ugly word. No good comes from it. Love counters hate and that’s important to know because there is a lot of hate in the world today. Loving others on our own is not possible over the long haul. The Holy Spirit must fuel self-control if we are going to be able to sustain it. Nothing is accomplished if we exhibit self-control now, but fail to do so the next time. One’s testimony is at stake. That is important because we are Christ’s ambassadors on this earth.
Proverbs 29:11 says, “Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.” Holding back isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s the “control of one's emotions, desires, or actions by one's own will.” That is spirit led self-control which happens to be listed as one of the Fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.
If you happen to be a quick-tempered individual, as a believer you need to give that over to God once and for all. If you are not a Christian you must take the critical first step by acknowledging you are a person who has racked up a multitude of sins with no way to pay for them. Christ is the answer. Believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for the sins of man … ask him to forgive you … turn away from your old life and allow God to live thru you. THEN pray for self-control. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!
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