Self Control

About self control, the Holy Bible teaches in Proverbs 16 : 32 “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who conquers a city”. Therefore the Christian value of self control is such an important virtue. It’s a value that involves spiritual strength and is more loved by God than physical strength. Self control is evident when one keeps him or herself from something they desire or when one remains unaffected by their surroundings and, in doing so, controls his or her actions, thoughts, emotions and words. A person with self control doesn’t submit to wrongdoing or negative emotions.

Self control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and as such it is a virtue that we find with the presence of God in our lives. The closer we are to God and the more we love Him, the greater our self control against temptation and sin. The Christian value of self control means that we don’t submit to anger but control our emotions, quieting our hearts and denying our tongues from speaking harsh words. Self control also involves not being hasty – to not interrupt people when they are speaking or to make decisions unless we have thought properly about them. Those who have self control don’t submit to every desire or thought that comes to them but rather they restrain their feelings, instincts, wishes and impulses. They are not dominated by their desires but are masters over them and bring them under the power of the mind and soul. Importantly, they control their senses and don’t allow themselves to see or hear anything indecent because this weakens self control. Christians with self control also don’t react with revenge when they are wronged nor do they feel indignant when someone offends them. Rather they are encouraged to be strong for the Holy Bible says, “We then who are strong ought to bear the scruples of the weak.” (Romans 15:1). Self control involves being reverent when we pray. It involves using our time wisely and not being lazy or indulging in unhelpful pastimes. Self control also involves staying calm in times of trouble.

A prayer by St Augustine of Hippo. A prayer to the Holy Spirit:

“Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen”