SELF-CONTROL

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT (11 OF 12)

Latin translation is CONTINENTIA, while the Greek rendition of self-control is ENKRATEIA. The Greek word used in Galatians 5:23 is "egkrateia," which means having command or "mastery over" (krat- as in "autocrat"), or possession of, "one's own behavior."

Self-control is a Fruit of the Spirit, not a Gift of the Spirit. Gifts are free - fruit must be grown. There’s not a “spiritual supermarket” where we can buy it so, in most cases, we must do something beyond praying in order for self control to truly bear fruit in our lives. To grow fruit in the natural realm, you have to plant the right seeds and put some work into it. The spiritual realm is no different in that regard.

Developing self control is not as hard as we might think. The fruit of the Spirit grows when we cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s work in transforming us. Self-control doesn’t come easily, but it’s definitely within reach.

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NEW AMERICAN BIBLE REFERENCES

2 Peter 1:5-7 exhorts us to do just that: ""5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge, 6 knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion, 7 devotion with mutual affection, mutual affection with love."

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

(CCC) REFERENCES

There are 2 references to SELF CONTROL in the CCC. Please click HERE to review them.

Those listed below are taken from the Index:

none.