Words on Self Control

Peter and Paul both wrote quite a bit about self-control in their letters. Both of them always mention it as a trait that we should be practicing. Sometimes (in some translations), we see the word temperance used. Temperance has to do with having the strength to do what is right.

In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul is talking about practicing the things that are of the fruit of the spirit - "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."

Self control is something that makes us realize that there is something ABOVE ourselves. In Peter's second letter, he says if we LACK self-control (among other things) - that we will be short-sighted, even to blindness. But if we practice these things (self-control, knowledge, Godliness, perseverance) - we will NEVER be unfruitful or barren in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Self-control shows respect to God and shows him that we long to please him.