That is interesting.
You are probably reading this and going: Yeah... How does Self-control link?
Well, from how I see it... Self-control summarises it all up.
Self-control in love, in a relationship to not covet, commit adultery even in our heads and from allowing our heart linger unto someone else when in a committed relationship.
Self-control, in joy. Have you heard of: "Too much of something good ends up not being too good after all"? I have learnt to not indulge in joy because soon you would always want to appear joyful, you start lying to people around you that you are happy but truly, lies upon lies builds a thick mask of hidden brokenness and the neglect of turning to humble and acknowledge that true joy comes from the One who made it all.
Self-control in peace, within peace itself, there is self-control. Where you know not to put ourselves first but others and thus peace comes. If everyone was in a "Me-me" thinking... BAM, that is where war breaks out, where we fight for our point, our views, our rights. Selfish? Is that not our devilish flow that comes wrapped in human nature?
Self-control in patience, patience itself is a test. Patience is something probably everyone struggles with to begin with. Soon we progress in life and our patience level varies from people we meet each day. But most of all, patience is vital in the Christian walk. Waiting upon God instead of not applying self-control, we do what we think is best but face it, what we think is best is just suffocating Self-control thus we fall. Many times, I am guilty of this. Many times.
Self-control in kindness, goodness and faithfulness giving within your means. Does not mean selling your house just so you "practice kindness/goodness/faithfulness" and give the less fortunate everything you have and suffering yourself. In summary, we have a brain given from God for a reason. Not to be foolish but to know, you might not be the one to "save" this person but your footprints have been inked on this person. Ultimately, is it not the one receiving to help themselves too? If not, you would just end up spoon-feeding them and they not learning and soon, they become a burden upon you, like an anchor that drags its people who can not stay afloat, down to the bottom of the sea. Pointless, with many works with no positive outcomes.
Self-control in gentleness, they don't really come hand in hand but instead you would have to balance these 2 out. I found this on the web:
"Gentleness and self-control are like hydrogen and oxygen. When perfectly balanced, they water our soul. If we are too gentle with ourselves, we will lack discipline and focus. If we are too self-controlled we become dogmatic and legalistic. When we have both gentleness and self-control, our spiritual dedication is softened by grace.
The apostle Peter had to learn this the hard way. Jesus foretold that Peter would deny him three times, and Peter adamantly defended his faithfulness to Jesus. When Jesus’ prediction came true, Peter was ashamed by his own lack of self-control. Later, after his resurrection, Jesus reached out to Peter again. He was teaching Peter about God’s gentleness." from http://www.spiritualwellness.com/blog/balancing-self-control-gentleness-holy-week-day-6/
So yes, there you go, that's how I see it. All in one and therefore, it is FRUIT not fruits of the Spirit. ;) Pretty smart don't you reckon?
