I’ve been burdened lately with my lack of self-control…especially with my eating.  I don’t stop when I should stop. I don’t resist where I should resist.

I poured my heart out to God about it yesterday and he reminded me of the fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22:

…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

86507406

I had really focused on this passage a couple of years ago as I had prepared to speak on the topic.  During that time, God showed me that when I pray for things like more patience or more self-control that I’m actually asking for the wrong thing.

You see, the Bible tells us that things like love, joy, patience, and self-control are the FRUIT, or the RESULTS, of having more of God in us.  I don’t need more self-control…I need more God.

When I get busy I stop reading God’s truth and turning my face toward His.  (Please tell me I’m not the only one!)  However, when I “fertilize” my spiritual life, I bear more fruit–the very fruit I’m longing.

How about you? Have you been praying for the wrong thing?  What “fruit” have you experienced when you’ve put God back in first place in your life?

Want regular encouragement?

Subscribe to get Jill's latest content by email.


(You can view our privacy policy here.)

Powered by ConvertKit