Listen to this devotion
Self-Control
In the Word
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).
Of the Word
David and Chris were friends, but they were not alike. David was just like his dad. Whenever he got angry, he wanted to settle the argument with his fists. Chris was just like his dad. Whenever he got angry, he would sit down, clasp his hands together, and think before he responded. It is obvious which dad was the better example of self-control for the two boys.
Self-control is a promised fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). Every Christian can draw on this gift of the Spirit in times when self-control is clearly tested.
God asks faithful parents to draw on the self-control He promises through His Spirit. Godly parents will strive to model that self-control in emotional and trying situations.
Stretch your faith-filled parenting: Discuss self-control with your child. Ask why self-control is an important gift from the Holy Spirit.
Walking with my Lord
O Holy Spirit, You have given me the fruit of the Spirit. Help me to use the fruit of self-control in my life so that others may see You at work in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 12/32 ©2009 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
