There are nine fruits of the Spirit mentioned in St. PAUL’s letter to the church of Galatia. They are love, joy, peace kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness, patience, and self-control.
There are three kinds of self-control: impulse control, emotional control, and movement control.
The other day a friend texted me with what is known as unsolicited advice. Starting with some flattery and finishing with “you should…: I closed my eyes for a minute or two and replied with đź‘Ť.
Twenty years ago I would have fired back! This time I prayed for self-control.
Engaging in a meaningless conversation involving unsolicited advice is not a good way to redeem time. James said, My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
I don’t want to sound self-righteous, but, really, where does it end. I’m not going to waste my time sounding defensive that only leads to unnecessary emotional pain.
Memo to self: Do NOT offer unsolicited advice. Just keep silent. You don’t know what kind of battle they’re fighting.