Cultivating Self-Control through Faith and Compassion
Building bridges is a central theme (for 2024) at Toronto City Mission’s programs. This past fall, we had the opportunity to teach the youth how Jesus is the bridge between us and sin, and He made a way for us to be free from sin and saved with salvation. Last summer, we taught about the Fruits of the Spirit. It is all connected, as the gospel changes us and God transforms us to be more fruitful, specifically more self-controlled.
Self-control stands out to me because it can be the most difficult fruit to bear as we live in a world ruled by self-expression and submitting to the flesh. However, as believers, we are called to live in control of our thoughts, feelings, desires, and whole selves. The key is the Holy Spirit working in us to produce this fruit of the Spirit and live it out in our daily lives. Honestly, sometimes it is easy for me to judge a youth or family, at programs. I wonder why the youth keep fighting with each other and ignoring me. But the Lord has reminded me to be patient, gracious, and merciful; to stay in control of my judgments and temper.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
We are meant to walk in victory of sin! Proverbs 16:32 furthers this point by saying, “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” Patience and self-control are working together and I can see God forming these qualities in me. So when a youth keeps talking over me, interrupts while I am teaching, or talks back to me, I can remember the things that they are going through. I can find compassion for the lack of stability and security of their lives at home or lack thereof.
To conclude, although self-control is difficult, we can find hope in the Lord and the Holy Spirit who gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-control. I pray that I can continue to rely upon and trust God to transform me and truly embody each fruit of the spirit including self-control. Let us go on to live faithful lives of righteousness and holiness in Jesus’ name, amen.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13