Week51: How can I do what I should do?

God doesn’t force us to say or to do the right thing, but He has given every follower of Christ the ability to have self-control through the Holy Spirit. Are you ready to look at the last fruit of the Spirit this week? Well then – let’s get started!

Be ready to read the following passages:

Let’s start it.

Which devices in your house have remote controls? Discuss what each remote allows you to control.

Let’s learn it.

The person holding the remote has the power to control that device. In a similar way, God has given you the controller to your life. You have the freedom to choose what you think, say, and do. Have you noticed how hard it is to control your thoughts, words, and behavior on your own? Well then, take a look at Romans 8:5-9.

Like a rider who controls his horse by pulling back on the reins, you can keep your whole self under control by holding back and being careful about what you say. Have you ever gotten really mad and said something that you regretted? Compare what Proverbs 17:27-28 and Proverbs 29:11 say about losing control of your temper. There are times when we need to hold back our words – especially when we’re upset.

From time to time, each of us struggles with an area of self-control. You might not lose your temper, but maybe you talk without thinking about how your words will hurt someone else. Or maybe you don’t control how much television you watch or how long you play video games. Others might try to get you to do things that you know are wrong. Sometimes you might even put off doing good things that you should do. At those times, it’s not your own willpower or strength that you need. Instead, you can choose to give “the remote control” of your life to the Holy Spirit. The spiritual fruit of self-control means you can choose to allow the Holy Spirit to control each thing that you think, say, and do.

Let’s discuss it.

  1. In what area do you need more self-control?
  2. Discuss with your family how you can choose to give the Holy Spirit control of that area this week.

Let’s do it.

You can choose to keep yourself under control by following the Holy Spirit’s leading each day. When you feel yourself start to lose control of something you think, say, or do, hand the “remote control” of your thoughts and behavior to the Holy Spirit. Then allow Him to choose how you respond. His choice will always be what is right and best for your life.

Now that we’ve learned about all nine fruits of the Spirit, try saying them together as a family. Do you remember where to find the fruit of the Spirit in the Bible? Consider highlighting Galatians 5:22-23 in your Bible as a reminder of what we’ve learned. Next week we’ll finish up by learning how the fruit of the Spirit helps us to be more like Jesus.