Fruit for the Holidays Self-Control

When I was little, our family tradition was to open all Christmas gifts on Christmas day. It was youngest to oldest, one gift at a time and we would go around until all the gifts were opened.

I was always envious of the kids that got to open a gift on Christmas eve. Waiting is really hard on a kid. It isn’t all that much easier for adults. Sometimes waiting to give a gift can be just as difficult. I may be tempted to give a gift early or “spill the beans” on what is to come because I get excited. And don’t get me started on the other Christmas goodies like cookies and fudge! Talk about trying to have self-control…

Self-control can also include the ability to hold our tongue. How often does the Holy Spirit guide us NOT to say a particular thing but we just can’t help ourselves? Having self-control can mean tapping down the flesh and truly letting the Spirit take the lead in conversations.

The term “self-control” is a bit misleading because it is the Holy Spirit that gives us the power and strength that we need in order to have self-control – not ourselves. The Holy Spirit helps us have restraint and the ability to wait for the right timing…for God’s timing. Whether it is waiting to open gifts, not over indulging on candy, or having the right conversational timing – it is about God and how we can give him the glory. He is the source of our strength!

As we conclude this special Holiday series, the biggest take-away for me is that the Holy Spirit is our advocate and a wonderful gift-giver. It is the Holy Spirit that graciously gives us “Fruit for the Holidays”. The fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I am reminded that Jesus lives through this Spirit in each of us and I am very grateful. Merry Christmas!

How would you rate your overall self-control right now?

Can you think of any specific areas of your life that you would like to have more self-control?

How do you think gratitude can impact the fruit you receive from the Spirit? How about humility?

Scripture

“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15