Relationships: Self-control

Love needs to be the foundation of all of our relationships, but self-control makes it all possible.

Self-control is the ability to make the right choices when faced with the temptation to make the wrong ones.

What are things that you struggle with on a daily basis that test your self-control?

Overspending? Impatience? Personal health? Sexual choices? Time management? Your speech? Entertainment choices?

Every healthy choice is ultimately an act of love towards those you care about.

Ephesians 5:15-20

"So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

(I love when Cecil says, "Buck-nutty.")

Have you lost the hope of overcoming some struggle? Have you done or said something so many times that you feel like you'll never be able to obtain victory over them?

Take this time to literally write down the things you want to excorcise self-control over. Bring them to God and ask Him to renew your faith, strength, endurance, and hope to accomplish what God wants you to.