Living in Increase (Part 2) - Increase in LoveSample

Spirit of Self-Discipline

The last part of 2 Timothy 1:7 says God gives us a spirit of self-discipline. The Greek word for “discipline” in this verse is sōphronismos, which means “self-control” or “moderation.” Galatians 5:23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, and guess what is included in that list? Self-control!

In God’s Kingdom, self-control really has nothing to do with “self.” If you read Galatians 5:16-23, you’ll see a list of negative results from our “sinful nature.” We only get self-control by submitting to the Holy Spirit inside us. Without the Holy Spirit, controlling our attitudes, cravings, desires, and actions is impossible.

Understanding that you have a spirit of self-discipline inside of you is crucial to loving yourself because you won’t be able to make wise choices without it. When people say they’re upset with themselves, nine out of ten times, this is because they’ve made a choice that brought shame or guilt into their lives. They take their choice and the consequences of that choice and wear it as their identity. May I remind you that no matter what you’ve done in your past, God can redeem everything? If you’re a believer in Jesus, you have been redeemed!

Shame and guilt are from the enemy. Romans 8:1 reminds us that “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” If you think poorly of yourself due to past circumstances or decisions, know those thoughts are not from God! Psalm 103:12 says, “He (God) has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” In other words, God is not constantly bringing up your sins and shortcomings. Only the enemy is.

God doesn’t condemn you but will convict you through His Holy Spirit. The difference between condemnation and conviction is that condemnation will make you feel stuck, but conviction will show you the way out.

So, as we close out our week on increasing in love for ourselves, know that you have a spirit of self-discipline that can help you live a life worthy of the calling you have received (Ephesians 4:1). With the Holy Spirit as your guide, you can make decisions and choices that glorify God and honor yourself. The fruit of “self-control” is the greatest form of “self-care.” By following the leading of the Holy Spirit, you are giving yourself a gift and setting yourself up for success!

Emily N. Green

Action Step: Write out your negative thoughts about yourself or your past decisions. Then, find a Bible verse that talks about the forgiveness of God. For every negative thought you list, read the Bible verse out loud and declare God’s forgiveness over yourself. Once you’ve read the Bible verse out loud, tear up the paper and throw it away. This is a physical representation of the redemption of sins God gave you through salvation in Jesus!