“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
-2 Timothy 1:7
18th Day After Christmas
January 12, 2022
Self-Control
With the Holy Spirit, we possess self-control and demonstrate the fruits of the spirit. Thereby, we can live in a way that is pleasing to God. Self-control is a gift from God. It is the ability to say “no” to wrong desires and “yes” to what God wants us to do. It allows God to be in control of your life. It is the ability to manage actions and emotions; thus, an important skill that regulates our behavior.
Self-control is done in collaboration with the Holy Spirit. It means choosing to give up trying to control things on your own, ask God for help. It allows you to keep focused on God while avoiding the temptation of your desires.
The Bible teaches that Jesus was tempted by the devil three times. Instead of making a bad choice, Jesus shows us how to have self-control by stopping and answering the devil with the word of God.
Even though He was tempted, Jesus spoke the word of God which gave him strength and self-control. Instead of giving in to what He felt He wanted in the moment, Jesus trusted what His Father said, and the devil ran away.
Prayer
Lord, please help us to control what we say or do. Please forgive us for the times we have said things that are not pleasing to you. Help us develop control over the words we speak that they might not offend others. Amen
Sister Geraldine Legree
Sarah Allen Missionary Society
Advent 2021
Join us in a time of reflection, expectation, and contemplation during the season of Advent 2021.
Each day a new reflection with a scripture and prayer will be posted on the Metropolitan AME Church website and social media to encourage you to hear the words of those reflecting, anticipating, and contemplating with you in community as we thank God for what God has done, notice what God is actively doing and anticipate what God will do next.
Read along with us each day or download the book to read and write along with us offline.
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