The choices God makes | 10

‘But the fruit of the Spirit is … self-control.’ Galatians 5.23

The self-control of the Holy Spirit may initially conjure up an image of a puritanical figure denying himself – and presumably us – any pleasure, but when that self-control is explored, something beautiful begins to emerge.

Self-control is all about making choices to act and behave in a certain way, and behind these choices is a conviction, a real heartfelt desire, to act in a certain way.

All the things we have been considering over the past days in connection with the fruits of the Spirit are the choices that make up part of the Holy Spirit’s self-control. He continually chooses to be loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful and gentle. He makes a deliberate choice to be like this in spite of anything we may do to tempt him to act differently: however we are, he chooses love; whatever we bring to him, he chooses gentleness; however much we wander away, he chooses faithfulness.

Part of the nature of our faith is to trust in his choices towards us. This doesn’t mean we can take his love for granted (we still respond with wonder and gratitude) but we come to him, trusting and relying on his choices. Our response to his presence within us is based on our knowledge of them.

Take a few moments to respond to the nature of God which is revealed by the Holy Spirit. The best way of doing this is to begin to believe it, and to approach God with the same longing that he has for you.

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