Managing Your EmojisSample

When I Feel Like Giving In

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

Lynn

You know when you’re so upset it seems like you’ll explode? Yeah, me too!

At times like these, it feels like there is nothing we can do when we’re furious. We feel out of control; like we can’t stop whatever we might say or do.

I’ve learned a secret though: the Holy Spirit can empower us to control our actions even when our emotions feel like they’re controlling us. The word for this is self-control.

The Bible tells us in Galatians 5:22–23 that self-control is a sign that the Holy Spirit is working in us. It’s important for us to understand what it means for the Holy Spirit to be in us. In John 14, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the time when He will return to heaven to be with His Father. Jesus is reassuring His friends that although He will physically not be with them anymore, He is leaving those who love Him with a great gift: His Holy Spirit. The reason this is so great is that no matter where we are or what is happening in our lives, the Holy Spirit is in us, helping us. When we allow the Holy Spirit’s power to work in our lives, we see beautiful things in us. The Bible calls these traits the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22). Think of it like apples on an apple tree. Since it is an apple tree, it grows apples. Since you and I are followers of Jesus, we grow love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Yes, because the Holy Spirit lives inside those of us who have chosen Jesus, as we ask, He will teach us how to have self-control and direct our energies wisely, even when that energy feels negative.

Embracing Calm

Review the list of traits the Holy Spirit works into our lives in Galatians 5:22-23. This “fruit” comes from having the Spirit in you, not from you being perfect. Take a moment to recognize that to have self-control, you’re going to need power from the Holy Spirit.

Giving Your Mad to God

Jesus, controlling myself is hard! Thank You for sending Your Spirit to live in me, helping me do hard things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.