S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The last characteristic listed in Galatians 5:22-23 as a fruit of the Spirit is self-control. The fruit of the Spirit is the change in our character that comes about because of the Holy Spirit's wo...

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July 01 2013 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is self-control (fruit of the Holy Spirit)?

In the Christian tradition, self-control is the ninth and final characteristic of the "Fruit of the Holy Spirit" listed in Galatians 5:22–23. Unlike basic willpower, it is viewed as a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit within a person, transforming their character.

Believers are encouraged to rely on God's strength rather than their own limited physical or mental energy to resist temptation.

Biblical Counselling Coalition

The "Wall" Metaphor: The Bible (Proverbs 25:28) compares a person without self-control to a city with broken walls, leaving them vulnerable and defenceless against negative impulses.

Practical Applications

Self-control as a spiritual fruit manifests in several daily areas:

Speech: Choosing to "bite one's tongue" or speak kindly instead of reacting in anger.

Desires: Resisting "the works of the flesh," such as greed, lust, and overindulgence.

Emotions: Pausing before reacting to stress or frustration to ensure the response aligns with Godly principles.

Stewardship: Exercising moderation in spending, eating, and time management.

SELF-CONTROL

Keeping in check, restraining, or controlling one's person, actions, speech, or thoughts. (Ge 43:31; Es 5:10; Ps 119:101; Pr 10:19; Jer 14:10; Ac 24:25)

In "the last days", lack of self-control was to be one of the characteristics marking those who would not be practising true Christianity. (2Ti 3:1-7) However, since Christians are to be imitators of God and of his Son (1Co 11:1; Eph 5:1), they should strive to cultivate self-control in all things. (1Co 9:25)

Why Self-Control Is So Important

What a harvest the lack of self-control has reaped! Many troubles in the world today are primarily due to a lack of self-control. Truly, we are in "the last days," when 'critical times hard to deal with are here.' Men are "without self-control" often because of greed, one form of which is being "lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God." (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

WHAT IS SELF-CONTROL?

A person with self-control does not act on every impulse. Rather, he refrains from speaking and acting in ways displeasing to God.

Jesus showed us what self-control involves. The Bible says: "When he was being insulted, he did not insult in return. When he was suffering, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the One who judges righteously." (1 Pet. 2:23)

Jesus also showed remarkable restraint when hostile religious leaders tried to trap him in his speech. (Matt. 22:15-22)

HOW TO CULTIVATE SELF-CONTROL

Pray for the Holy Spirit. Why? Because self-control is an aspect of the fruitage of God's spirit, and God gives his spirit to those asking him. (Luke 11:13)

Conclusion

Keeping in check, restraining, or controlling one's person, actions, speech, or thoughts. (Ge 43:31; Es 5:10; Ps 119:101; Pr 10:19; Jer 14:10; Ac 24:25) 

The Hebrew and Greek terms involving self-control literally denote having power or control over oneself.

In the Christian Greek Scriptures, the word translated "self-control" at 2 Peter 1:6 and elsewhere has been defined as "the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites." Individual self-control has even been called "the acme of human achievement."

April 23 2026 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report