Holding Back

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Our lives change when He controls us. There is no clearer way to measure His control than to examine the presence of anger in a person’s life. The Bible teaches, “a fool always loses his temper.” This means that they are dominated by reactions to other people and circumstances. If something happens that upsets them, they do not hold back but immediately react. Their words are “hasty” (v. 20). Because such people are often overwhelmed with anger, they tend “to stir up strife.” They “abound in transgressions” and are characterized by conflict, rather than by wisdom, peace, love, or compassion.

The Bible says that the works of the flesh include strife, jealousy, and outbursts of anger (Galatians 5:19-21). If we find ourselves losing our temper or not being able to control our emotions, this indicates that we are being controlled by our flesh. It means that the Spirit is not in control. It means that sin still needs to be rooted out of our hearts and minds.

Today, examine how you react to people and things going on in your life that are not ideal. Are you under the control of your flesh or the control of the Spirit? Surrender your will, your thoughts, and your emotions to the Lord. Ask the Spirit to guide and control you. He can change you and help keep your anger in check.