Written by Christian Speaker Network Member, John Hall
Science teaches us that self-control is a human trait that is in all of us. It can be learned and expanded through time. Think of it as a muscle that can be strengthened with exercise. Jeffrey Bernstein Ph.D. writes in Psychology Today, “Research has shown that higher self-control is linked to better relationships, greater job success, and increased life satisfaction.” Christians have a different perspective and understand that self-control is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Christianity teaches that mastering self-control is impossible from a human aspect, however a born again Christian receives many gifts from the Holy Spirit including a keen sense of self control.
The Bible speaks often and clearly about self-control. Paul explicitly calls self-control the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23, English Standard Version). Paul also reminds Titus that we must renounce ungodliness and live with self-control, among other attributes. (Titus 2:12) In 1 Corinthians 9:25, Paul likens us to athletes running a race and having self-control to stay disciplined. In 2 Peter 1:4-5, Peter tells us that to escape the sinfulness of the world, one of the things we need is self-control, which comes from God, who is Triune and therefore from the Holy Spirit. Peter also denied knowing Christ 3 times, but keep in mind this was before Jesus’ resurrection and before Pentecost.
The online platform Scienceinsights discusses a study of 1,000 people in New Zealand that measured self-control in childhood and then followed up as the participants became adults. As expected, the members with the highest self-control had the best jobs and the highest earnings. They also found that this same group had fewer criminal convictions and fewer health issues. The study failed to account for participants’ religious backgrounds, thereby eliminating a key source of self-control.
Is self-control impossible from a strictly human aspect? Does self-control truly come from God? The Bible fully supports the concept of self-control as a spiritual gift. It is stated in very plain language. In fact, the Bible has 174 references to self-control in both the Old and New Testaments. Science, on the other hand, fails to account for participants’ religious viewpoints in its studies. It is certainly not the first time science ignores God. Based upon what we know to be true, self-control is a gift from the Holy Spirit that, with God’s help, can be developed and grow in us.
Bernstein, Jeffrey. “The Real Secret to Self-Control (It’s Not Willpower).” Psychology Today. May 4, 2025. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/liking-the-child-you-love/202505/the-real-secret-to-self-control-its-not-willpower.
ScienceInsights. “What Is Self-Control and Why It’s More Than Willpower.” March 13, 2026. https://scienceinsights.org/what-is-self-control-and-why-its-more-than-willpower/.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2001.