Self-control is a Christian virtue that stands in stark contrast to our times.

Love is patient, it is full of kindness; love is not envious; love does not boast, it is not puffed up with pride, it does nothing dishonest, it does not seek its own interest, it is not irritated, it does not suspect evil. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

These verses from 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 introduce us to the characteristics of love. And let's not forget that the love we're talking about here is a person: Jesus Christ. Here are his characteristics:

1- Love is not selfish

Selfishness results from our rejection of the God who is Himself love (1 John 4:8), in other words, genuine love is not selfish. Paul says as much in 1 Corinthians 13:5 when he says that love "does not insist on its own way". When we love others properly, we don't put our needs above theirs. On the contrary, we are generous, seeking the good of others before ourselves. Christ himself is the model, for he left glory to accomplish the greater good of his people (Philippians 2:5-11).

2- Love is patient

If love is not selfish, it is also patient (1 Corinthians. 13:4), for it takes patience not to put ourselves first, to meet the needs of others before meeting our own needs. Love that is not motivated by selfishness also refuses to show pride (v. 5). This makes us courteous people, because those who are considerate and show good manners don't try to put themselves first. Respect and general courtesy are among the telltale signs of the presence of love described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13. We can only respect others if we are patient with them and put their needs first, if we possess the other key qualities of genuine, God-honoring love.

3- Love and self-control

In the same vein, because love is patient, courteous and not selfish, it "is neither irritable nor resentful" (v. 5).
We only become irritable when we are impatient with others or with our situation.
We don't show proper respect when we hate others and their achievements.
True love seeks to avoid irritability and resentment. It does not avoid all anger, for it is possible to be angry and not sin (Ephesians 4:26). Rather, love that is not irritable or resentful means that we can get angry at appropriate times, but with patience.

But how do you escape irritability and resentment?

To escape irritability and resentment, we must cultivate the fruit of self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
By practicing self-mastery, we exercise control over our emotions and put things into perspective.
Self-control means we don't get angry at the slightest offense.
Self-control is a Christian virtue that stands in stark contrast to our times. Culture and even many churches tell us to rejoice as long as we don't hurt others.
But a life of selfishness is contrary to the patient, kind love and love that is not puffed up with pride described in 1 Corinthians 13.

So let's seek the fruit of self-control in our lives by turning to the Word of God, the living Word who is Jesus Christ, giving Him first place, asking the Holy Spirit to fill you and guide you in all your life.

Bless you

Pasteur Clémentine