Is self-control needed?

“Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret” - Ambrose Bierce

Have you ever tried hard to hold back tears from streaming down your face? Have you ever wanted to scream out loud in frustration and anger but couldn’t? Have you ever felt like slapping or throwing punches but you knew you shouldn’t? Have you ever felt like giving up but you know you have come too far? Have you ever felt like holding on, but you know it’s time to let go?  Am sure many of us have been in situations were we felt a certain way but acted contrary to those feelings and/or thoughts.  

I am reminded of a quote by Lao Tzu “He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.” 

It’s no easy thing to keep yourself under control. Many of us have lost jobs, friends, family or ruined our careers because we couldn’t control our anger or words. We act first and think later. We are driven so much by our emotions that logic is thrown out the window.

Self-control is an acquired skill, it’s more a way of thinking than behaving. In Galatians 5:22-23, self-control is mentioned as one of the fruit of the Spirit. It helps us resist temptations, it guides our decisions, and enables us to think before we act. Once you master the skill of having self-control, you become a master of your emotions.

So next time you are in a tough situation and you are boiling up with emotions, remember, every action has repercussions. Control how you act in that situation, and not the situation to control you.