The final trait of the Holy Spirit's fruit is self-control.
From the original Greek word, the definition is the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions. The translated word in KJV is temperament. It has also been defined as "the self controlled by the Holy Spirit."
On the temperament track, the self controlled by the Holy Spirit will rid us of our emotional outburst such as anger, rage, fear and jealousy. With this trait, the believer will become one that is consistent, dependable and well-ordered.
On the virtue of mastering one's desires and passion, the believer will be able to overcome behaviors that do not conform to God's character. These are described in Gal 5:19-20, "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like."
I can only say that I am a "work-in-progress" as the Holy Spirit continues to sanctify my life. I am not there yet, but I thank God that I can see His hands at work in my life and in many of my brothers and sisters in Christ.
In my time of weakness, I pray for the Holy Spirit to make my heart to yield to His prompting. There are many times that I fail but He is ever faithful and He keeps at working on me. Praise the Lord!
To conclude my sharing on the fruit of the Spirit, I want to go back to the reason for sharing this. It was about three months ago that when I was verbally abused. Instead of reacting as I normally do, that is, to reply with equally abusive words, I gave a gentle answer. At that moment, even thought a nasty quarrel was avoided, I thought I have lost the will and zeal to fight and defend myself; I would have done that a few year ago.
It was then the Lord directed me to Gal 5:22-23 and assured me that my reaction was in fact, a manifestation of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. In that instance, the Holy Spirit gave me self control to turn a potentially ugly quarrel into a Spirit-control resolution.
Dear beloved, as we continue our pilgrimage here, let's remember that the Holy Spirit is at hand to be our Comforter and Counsellor. He continually sanctifies us for God's glory. Let Him do so in your life too.
God is good all the time and indeed, all the time, God is good.
God bless.
Steven
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