Strength of Spirit: Fruit of the Spirit

By: Kristen Neighbarger Published on: 06/09/2023

Paul refers to the self-control and discipline of successful athletes in this analogy. He explains how they are disciplined in every respect, hoping to win a prize that will eventually fade away. The lesson Paul is teaching here, though, is that we should institute spiritually, mentally, and physically the same discipline and control champion athletes practice. That discipline and control can only come from a strength of spirit. If our spirit is weak, we will be weak. If our spirit is strong, we will be strong: In word. In deed. In mind. In body. Too often, self-control is related to our physical selves–how we control what we eat, drink, say, and do, but, like the other qualities of the fruit of the Spirit, this control is actually something that is rooted in our hearts and our spirits.