What does the Bible say about self-control? We know that it is a fruit produced by the Holy Spirit, but how do we, as believers, exert self-control in our everyday lives? Let's look at James, chapter 1.
"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." ~ James 1:19 Three simple tasks: be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. How often do we model this? When we are faced with confrontation, trials, inconvenience, stubbornness or even plain stupidity, this is how we are to act. "Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls." ~ James 1:20-21 So often, the result of our lack of self-control is anger. How can we overcome this anger and get rid of the filth that causes it? Humbly accept God's Word. God has given us a life manual. Everything we need to know is in the Bible. God's Word is His gift to us. He wants to communicate with us and have an intimate relationship with us. He tells us directly through His Word how to live a righteous life, we just have to choose to follow His leading. "But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the Word and don't obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it." ~ James 1:22-25 We can't just read God's Word, we have to act upon it. Let's purpose together to live God's Word out loud. It want always be easy, but it will bring forth blessings and most importantly, it will point back to Jesus. God Almighty, thank you for Your Word. Help me to be obedient to it. Teach me how to exert self-control in my life and how I respond to others. May I be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. I not only want to hear Your Word, Lord, but I want to live out what it says. In the sweet name of Jesus I pray, amen. Keep reading God's Word! Joyfully His, Andrea
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For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. " AuthorHi! I'm Andrea, wife to my handsome hubby, homeschooling mama to my 7 amazing blessings, and daughter of the King of kings. I am so glad you have stopped by my little piece of the web. My prayer is that the Lord will use this blog to encourage you in your personal, daily walk with Christ. Archives
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