The fruit of the Spirit of self-control doesn’t get a lot of attention, but it should. It’s a culmination of all the others—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness , faithfulness, and gentleness (Galatians 5:22-23). “Mindfulness” is a buzzword right now. Self-control is mindfulness in action.
Self-control is the strength to hear what God is saying for yourself, rather than being manipulated by someone else’s fearful or angry interpretations of what he’s said in the past.
It’s the power to keep your mind from being clouded by political conspiracy, and your heart from being constrained by religious dogma.
True self-control isn’t gritting your teeth at offenses, or pushing pain and disappointment down deeper into your soul. It’s living in the grace, healing, hope, and confidence that comes from spending time with Jesus.
Perhaps best of all, the more you allow him to transform how you manage yourself, the less you’ll feel the need to control others.
Equip Your Spirit 