Day 4 · Fasting & Self-Control
The Fruit of the Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”Galatians 5:22-23
Reflection
Self-control is the last fruit Paul names, and it is telling that he calls it fruit and not effort. We do not manufacture mastery over our appetites by sheer willpower; it grows quietly in us as we abide in the Spirit. Fasting can be a small soil where that fruit takes root, reminding us that we are not slaves to our cravings but children learning to walk in freedom.
A prayer
Holy Spirit, You alone grow what I could never force into being. Where my appetites pull hard at me, plant the quiet fruit of self-control. Help me to abide in You today rather than fight my hunger in my own strength. Grow gentleness in me toward myself and others as I learn. Amen.
Carry this with you
Where do I try to win over my appetites by willpower alone, and how might I instead ask the Spirit to grow that freedom in me?