Adding to our faith - 3

2 Peter 1:5-6 (New American Standard Bible)

5. Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge,

6. and in your knowledge, self-control,

The next attribute we are asked to add to our character is 'self-control'. According to the world self-control is an attribute which requires self-effort to attain it. But as per the spiritual law, self-control is the fruit of the Spirit. As we seek diligently in prayer asking the Spirit of God to build this fruit in us (or any other fruit for that matter), we will see that the fruit will become a natural part of our being. We will realize by our daily experience that we are able to have self-control in the areas of life where we lack self-control, such as in expression or outburst of anger, gossip, back biting, slander, accusation or judging. Self-control is also an attribute required for preventing indulgence in sensual and sinful habits.

Self-control cannot be attained by efforts alone, it requires the Spirit of God's help to bring changes and transformations in us. And for this to happen gradually we need to diligently seek and pursue the fruit, until it wholly takes root, grows and manifests in us...

Prayer: Lord Jesus, may the Spirit of God build self-control in me, so that in areas where I lack self-control I may be more of a Christ-controlled person. In your precious name Jesus. Amen.