Praying The Fruit of The Spirit in Our Marriage: Day 7

     I cannot believe that this is the last post in this series. Time goes by so fast. If you have followed this series with me over the last seven days, thank you. All of your kind comments are so encouraging and appreciated. My heart overflows with humility and gratitude to know that you have taken the time to read my writing. I pray that the Lord has spoke to you, and you have learned some valuable lessons for your marriage.

     Okay, so let's look at the last fruit of the Spirit...self control. At times this may feel like the hardest thing to practice in our marriage. We get angry and we lash out. We get upset and we cry. Things don't go our way and we throw the fit of a spoiled two year old. But why do we do these things? It's simply because we are lacking self-control.

     Self control is the glue that holds it all together in marriage. Without it, we will not be able to show Christ's love, live a life of joy and peace, have patience, and so on. I did a search on Bible Gateway for self control and wanted to share a couple of verses that stood out to me.

     First, let's look at Proverbs 25:28, "Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control." Basically, when we lack self control, we are doing nothing but bringing destruction upon ourselves and our marriage. I also came across a few verses in Titus 2 that speak of the older women, teaching the younger women to have self control. It reads, "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." (Titus 2:3-5) 

     2 Peter 1:5-7 tells us, "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;  and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. As we can see, self control leads to perseverance and ultimately, love. 

     No matter what season of marriage we may in, let's vow to make every effort to persevere and show our spouse love. May we always strive to women of self control who have pure minds, peaceful homes, and happy husbands. 

Dear Most Holy and Precious Father, I come before you now and ask that will help me to be a woman of self control. I know that in order to not be lacking in this area I must keep my eyes on you and rely on your strength daily. God I pray that you fill me with the fruit of the Spirit and may I show all of them to Jeff day in and day out. I desire more than anything to be a Godly wife and one whom Jeff can love completely, and trust fully. Please fill our marriage with peace and joy overflowing, and may we always be faithful to you, and one another. May we be kind, gentle, and patient  with each other, and may we bring good, not harm to our marriage all the days of our life. Thank you for the blessing you have given me in Jeff. He is much more than I deserve and I am filled with gratitude. You are so good to us, sweet Jesus, and we love you so much. Amen.