Gentleness

 

The Fruit of the Spirit

 

Self-Control (σωφρονισμοῦ and ἐγκράτεια)

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline (σωφρονισμοῦ / sōphronismou, self-control, a sound mind, sound judgment, orderliness, instruction, wise discretion, sound reasoning) - 2 Tim 1:7

It is interesting to see how the word 'σωφρονισμοῦ' is translated in different bible versions. From the bible verse above, it seems like this self-control can be given by the Holy Spirit.

In Gal 5:22-23, self-control is mentioned as the characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit, which grows in us. The word self-control here is ἐγκράτεια / enkrateia, which also means self-mastery, self-restraint, dominion-within (within oneself, but not by oneself).

From these two terms, it seems like self-control starts with a sound mind within us that is given by the Holy Spirit and then grows in us as the fruit of the Spirit. This matches with the illustration that most of the fruits start with seeds. 

Even though the term 'self' is used in the term 'self-control', it does not always mean that it is generated by oneself. Therefore, lets us ask the Holy Spirit for a sound mind, that brings us to better self-control.

(Galatians 3:3) Finishing by the Spirit

Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? (Gal 3:3)

There are times that I need to be reminded to keep working/serving/doing things by means of the Spirit. In ceasing our calling/our aim, sometimes it feels so easy to shift from the Spirit to our flesh. There are several things that might trigger us to do things in our flesh, such as losing our trust in God, depending on our own ability, worrying, carrying our own burden, what others do/say to us, etc. By this blog post, I would like to remind the readers (and myself) to keep do things, make decisions, and finish by means of the Spirit. 

For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Rom 11:36)

'All things' here might also include your calling and your life. Sometimes we remember to start something with God and give God all the glory but keep reminding yourself to do things through God. God will never leave you.