March 4, 2025

THE VIRTUE OF SELF-CONTROL (PART 2)

Apst. Emmanuel Osezele

KEY TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 9:27 KJV: "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

CONTROLLING THOUGHTS:

A crucial aspect of self-control is mastering our thoughts. What we dwell on in our minds, eventually shapes our actions. The Bible encourages us to focus on things that are pure, honest, and of good report. "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 CORINTHIANS 10:5 KJV).

MANAGING ANGER:

Self-control also means managing emotions such as anger. While anger is a natural emotion, unchecked anger can lead to sin. Believers are called to be slow to anger and quick to forgive, reflecting God’s patience and mercy. "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath" (EPHESIANS 4:26 KJV).

GUARDING OUR SPEECH:

Our words have the power to build up, or tear down. Practicing self-control in speech requires us to think before speaking, ensuring our words align with God’s truth and love. "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers" (EPHESIANS 4:29 KJV).

PRAYER:

I receive the grace to control my emotions, actions and reactions to align my ways to the will of God, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen.

REFLECTION:

HEBREWS 12:11 KJV: "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”