Love and Self-Control
Some people I know know how vocal I am when it comes to my perspectives and thoughts, so as to my opinions and feelings. You, my faithful readers, might have been witnesses to this radical life of mine. When I am sad, I say it. When I am happy, I broadcast it. I love telling how I feel, what I feel. But didn’t you know that one of the best things in me is that I know how to control myself too? God thought me to be self-controlled even if it means stepping into my integrity and looking just too extreme for other people. I don’t care, really, about on what they will say or think of me. Sometimes, they think I am weak because I just simply sound silent when they speak of me..even negatively. I know it will going to be a failure on my part if would always mind to please others. So I’d better keep silent when mockeries and judgment come on my way. My business now, is how I will please God, the One whom everybody fears.
If it’s not with God’s teachings, you might have just seen me getting involved with quarrels. For as before, I am as bad as you could imagine–not allowing anyone to overtake my pride. Before, I could not control my lips especially when I am mad and hurt. It’s true that hurting people hurt also. But thank God, He is the one who controls my mind, my heart…my life. He transformed me into a new being, where love and self-control were included.
For me, self-control means patience and waiting. In some aspects of my life, I was taught to be patient enough and wait for His timing. Take for example, in romantic love.
Sparks fly.
I wont be hypocrite to say that in my everyday dealings of attractions with the opposite sex, I am an excuse one. I mean, I wont neglect the fact that I tend to be attracted with some people too (Tao rin naman ako!) Like, I get kilig when someone gives or treats me special. I appreciate those who admire me, honestly.. And I admire those who deserve to be admired by me. But I don’t let these things destruct my focus to God. I’d better give up my feelings than regret in the end. I know I’m too young, and there’s so much in life. I’m not yet ready for any commitment with someone. What I am really sure now is my commitment to Him above. I want to give my future spouse a favor, so I stopped playing games and fooling around; giving away my emotions and my heart more than once. Some view this as rejections for them, but I consider this as just being obedient to God and self-controlled. And I enjoy sharing my life and love with these people. Some chose to walk away from me, but I decided to stay and continually love them… as friends. It is not the society nor my own feelings that dictate me, but it’s God’s Word that I let my mind and heart control me. Though what I feel is far opposite with what God wants, I just surrender it to Him and let Him do the decision. Though at first it is hard, I just offer up my heart and let His Spirit guard it. Some time, when I am ready, then I could give my all to him, whom God has promised to me. Trust is all I need this time. Because I know that He knew best. Self-control.
“True love isn’t just expressed in passionately whispered words or an intimate kiss or an embrace; before two people are married, love is expressed in self-control, patience, even words left unsaid.”
Joshua Harris, I Kissed Dating Goodbye
