Self-Control
Good morning, grandchildren!
I wish I were with you right now so I could give you a
great big hug and tell you how much I love you!
Today’s Scripture is:
“But the Spirit gives love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
— Galatians 5:22–23a (ICB)
Today we’re talking about something really important: self-control.
This verse tells us what grows in our hearts when God’s Spirit lives in us. One of those fruits is self-control.
What is self-control?
Self-control means stopping for a moment and choosing what is right, even when you really want to do something else.
It’s like having a little “brake” inside you. Your feelings might say, “GO!” But self-control helps you say, “Wait. Think. Choose.” Self-control is not something we have to do all by ourselves. God’s Spirit helps us.
Why do we need self-control?
Because we all have big feelings sometimes!
We feel angry.
We feel excited.
We feel jealous.
We feel impatient.
Feelings aren’t bad—but feelings don’t get to be the boss.
God wants you to be the boss of your choices.
Self-control in real life
Here are some ways kids use self-control:
When you’re angry: Instead of yelling or hitting, you take a breath and use words. “I’m upset because…”
When you want something now: Instead of grabbing or whining, you wait and ask politely.
When you’re tempted to disobey: You remember what’s right, even if nobody is watching.
When you say something mean in your head, you choose kind words instead.
Self-control is choosing to do the right thing even when it’s hard.
A quick picture to help
Think about riding a bike.
If your bike didn’t have brakes, you could crash into anything!
Brakes help you slow down and stay safe.
Self-control is like the brakes for your words, your hands, and your actions. It helps you stop before you do something you’ll regret.
The best part
Every time you choose self-control, you are becoming more like Jesus. And other people can see Jesus in you.
God is proud of you when you stop, think, and choose what is right.
Let’s Pray Together
Father God,
Thank You for giving us Your Spirit. Thank You that He grows self-control in us. Please help us stop and think before we act today. When we feel angry, excited, or tempted to do wrong, help us choose what is right and pleasing to You. We want people to see Jesus in us.
We love you. Amen.