8.24.2026 - Nate Triemstra

This week's devotions are written by Nate Triemstra

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

I struggle with understanding the notion of self-control, especially as we see it here listed among the fruit of the Spirit. These verses clearly indicate that these attributes grow out of us as products of a life that has been invaded by the Holy Spirit. We are not capable of love, of patience, of self-control, outside of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us and fostering the growth of these characteristics that enable us to be more like Christ. In other words, these Christ-like traits are not gained through our own work; they are gained through the work of the Spirit in us as we let go of control of our own lives.

This is where my brain starts to break a little bit. Of all the characteristics listed in these two verses, self-control seems most dependent on the self. It's literally in the word! When I think of self-control, I think of taking hold of my thoughts so they don't wander, of depressing my emotions so they don't become too powerful, of being intentional as I move my body so I don't flail around clumsily. But the Bible, paradoxically (Is paradox one of the defining aspects of the Bible? It sure seems like it), calls us to hand over control of our thoughts, emotions, and body, of our whole selves, to God in order to gain self-control. Rather than cling to what is ultimately a false sense of control over our lives, we are to give up everything in the service to God, and in doing so, we will gain the self-control that God calls us to. Our best self-control is His control.

To give up control, we will need to take some practical steps. We will need to devote real time to God, both in prayer and scripture. We will need to form Christ-like habits. We will need to listen to the Spirit's leading. We will need to honestly and humbly recognize when we are clinging to our own ideas and power, and we will need to surrender in those moments. This takes a lifetime.

God is sovereign, and we are merely human. When we recognize our inability to control ourselves in a way that leads to his presence, we can begin the necessary process of transferring control to him. One we give up control to God, he can foster in us self-control.