Self-control is the last in the fruit of the Spirit listed in Gal 5:23 and it’s one that we don’t hear too much about! One of the synonyms for self-control is self-discipline; it’s not a word that gives people warm fuzzies but it is one that is important.

When our spirits were recreated at the new birth our bodies and minds were not and so our bodies and minds therefore need self-control. As Paul said, “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should” (1 Cor 9:27; NLT). Paul also told us that our bodies are “the temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor 6:19; NKJV), and we were “bought with a price” (1 Cor 6:20; NKJV). For that reason, it is of utmost importance that we discipline them. We need self-control in every area of our lives: Spiritually, to establish and maintain prayer and Bible reading times. Physically, in our eating habits (1 Cor 10:31), exercise (Prov 31:17), our speech (Ps 141:3), and our tempers (Eph 4:26) to name a few areas. Mentally, in controlling our thoughts and emotions (2 Cor 10:5). We also need self-control with regard to spending, what we watch and listen to and much more.

A lack of self-control in any of these areas begins with thoughts in the mind, so it is important to find Bible verses to renew our minds (Rom 12:2) and replace these thoughts. We also need to remind ourselves that we are victorious because of Jesus (Rom 8:37) and we can do all things with His help (Phil 4:13). Don’t forget that the development of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives is a work of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22) so the more we walk sensitive to the Spirit (Gal 5:16) the easier it will be to develop self-control.