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Proverbs – Chapter 29 –
4 Things You Should Know about Self-Control
Self-control is the ability to control our desires, feelings, emotions and actions according to a godly perspective.
It is not just will power. It is not a denial or repression of these things but the outcome of spiritual maturity. As our spirit is united with and empowered by the presence of the Holy Spirit in our life, our soul is transformed and our perspective, emotions and feelings about our circumstances change too. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-25) and its manifestation in our life is the evidence that we are walking in the Spirit.
- Pro 29:11 – Venting your feelings does not resolve your problems, it makes them worse.
- Pro 29:20 – If you speak too quickly you will get yourself in trouble.
- Pro 29:22 – Anger starts when we don’t get our way, but it only produces more pain in us and others.
- Pro 29:25 – The fear of man makes you compromise your values and makes the wrong choice. Trust the Lord instead.
Pro 29:18 – The Importance of Spiritual Revelation
We need to keep the right perspective about life. Many Scriptures show us that our blessings and our happiness depend on our ability to fulfill the Law (see for example Pro 19:11, 19:16, Psa 1:1-2, 119:2, Lk 11:28, Jam 1:25).
God’s law shows us the appropriate behavior, but it is not sufficient for our salvation and happiness because it does not empower us (1 Cor 2:14). We need God to speak to our heart and to give us the revelation, understanding and power to do what the law prescribes.
That the Law was not sufficient is proven by the fact that Jesus had to come to die for us. Because of what Jesus did, now we are able to receive the Holy Spirit to discern and receive revelation and the power to fulfill the law (1 Cor 2:9-13). Believers can rejoice at the realization that Jesus has done all that they needed to have a happy and godly life (2 Pet 1:3).
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I thank you Father, because Jesus has made it possible for me to be in communion with the Holy Spirit and have revelation about spiritual things. I have the power to overcome temptations and walk according to Your Law. I have the gifts of the Holy Spirit working in my life for my benefit and that of the church. I have the fruit of the Spirit manifested in me to be a positive influence on this world.
Thank you Lord, in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!
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Proverbs 29:23 caught my attention. How many times did I allow strife into my life from reacting to every hurt – real and imagined? Too many. Thank God for second chances, and third, etc.