Daily Devotional – Sunday, April 14, 2024
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
We tend to ignore the virtue of self-control in our fast-paced, instant-gratification environment. It is the capacity to control our feelings, ideas, and behavior to conform to God’s will. God bestows it upon us via the Holy Spirit’s indwelling.
Practice Restraint
It is our duty as Christians to take good care of our bodies, minds, and spirits. One way to do this is to control our impulses and wants. Even if it occasionally seems difficult, we can find solace in the knowledge that God, in His Holy Spirit, has given us the ability to exercise self-control.
The apostle Paul reminds us, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7). This indicates that we have been given the supernatural capacity to overcome our shortcomings and withstand temptation because we are God’s children.
Exercise Self-Control
Being self-controlled means using judgment and moderation in everything. It enables us to let go of things that divert us from God’s plans for our lives and to prioritize what is actually beneficial and important. Remaining in Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to reside inside us gives us the ability to practice self-control in all facets of our lives.
Thus, let us accept the gift of self-control that God has bestowed upon us. Let’s put our faith in His might to help us overcome our shortcomings and withstand the deceptive lures that aim to trap us. As we endeavor to live virtuously and disciplined lives for His glory, may our lives serve as a testimony to His transformative power.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me exercise self-control in all aspects of my life.
