Scrolling at 1 am and thinking about self-control, the last fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5. It never gets as much attention as love, joy, or peace, but it’s so important, especially when you finally realize it’s not about suppressing your reactions to the negative behaviors of others.
Self-control is the power to hear God’s whisper when no one else hears anything but their own rage. It’s the stubborn determination to become who he says you are no matter how others have judged you. And it’s the grace to love like Jesus when someone wants to crucify you.
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23a).