Seeking self-control, patience and more good stuff

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

²²But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, and self control…

** I am deviating from the reading schedule this morning. But I feel this needs focus from me. Hope you don’t mind.

Observation: If we allow Him control, and follow his guidance, this is what will fill our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Application: If I want to enjoy all these fruits of the spirit, I must listen more to the Holy Spirit and follow its leading. These attributes are things I cannot truly gain on my own. And they also won’t happen without concerted effort. I must be in better union with God if I want to truly enjoy that fruit. And I really want it!

Prayer: Lord, you have stirred my heart once again. Thank you for leading me to this passage last night and keeping it in me today. Guide me as I continue to try to live a life guided solely by you. Help me to listen better, follow better and experience the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control that can only come through you.

More thoughts on the matter:

Last night I was talking with some friends about losing our cool with our kids and yelling at them. One mom remained silent during much of the conversation. I noticed this and asked her to share. She asked us if we yell at other people when we are angry. She then went on to say that she believes yelling is a choice we make. We choose to yell at some, but not others. Hmmmm. At first I wanted to use the passion excuse: I care more about my kids so they can make me more angry. But then I realized that no, she was right. If I can control myself in other situations, then I must be able to in all if I really try.

Last Friday I watched the movie Fireproof with a large group at church. As I watched the yelling and the arguing it made me really sad for the characters in the movie, and for those that live that in their marriages. And then I thought about my kids. And vowed I would not yell at them any more. It is just too destructive. And why would they listen to a crazy yelling person anyhow? Is that how I want them to react when they are frustrated? No.

So Saturday morning, after I had to discipline my son for some rotten behavior while my husband and I were away Friday night, I gave him permission to correct me. I told him that yelling at people is wrong. And that I would try my best to stop. And asked him to quietly remind me if he ever feels like I am yelling.

And since then, when I’ve felt my temperature rising, I’ve thought about that and stopped. And now I’m trying to circumvent problems by really speaking with my children and treating them with more respect. I am trying to talk to them more quietly and calmly when I have something important to say. And it is working! Sure, it has only been a few days, but I think I am on to something.

Then, last night when my calm friend reminded me of the fruits of the spirit, I was reminded that I really do need to strive for self-control and patience. (And the others, too.) And if I truly seek them with all my heart, they will come. But I just can’t expect theses attributes to magically appear.