I quote the fruit of the Spirit scripture every night at bedtime with my youngest son. He learned the fruit of the Spirit at church several years ago. The children's ministry leader did a teaching on the fruit of the spirit with the kids, each week focusing on a different fruit. It started out as us just saying them together so that he could memorize them. Now it is a fulfilling part of his bedtime routine. Sometimes when he hears one of the words he will say, "that is one of the fruits of the Spirit." I hope that speaking this verse over his life every night will serve as a reminder of how he should live his life. I try to help keep the word of God planted in his heart, and hopefully when trouble comes he will remember what he has been taught.
Of course at age 9 (his age right now) his temptations are vastly different from what he may face at 19, 29, or 99. As he grows and matures, I know that self-control will become harder with peer pressure. I have peace knowing that the love of God is in his heart. I know that the power of the enemy will not compare to the power of the Spirit of God that dwells inside of him and all of us. I also know that God will nurture this fruit of the Spirit and allow it to produce a harvest of joy in his life.
Teaching a 9 year old forbearance, or in some translations patience, is a struggle. His generation, and even my generation, has come to expect everything now. Having the will power to wait and practice patience is an effective tool in embracing self-control. Gentleness, kindness, and goodness comes easy for him because he is a very caring and kindhearted kid. His personality comes out when he has to practice self-control after not getting his way, or when things get tough. If we are being honest many of us have the same battle. Self control takes a lot of practice and a lot of praying.
I speak all of these words over my son because I want them to be deposited in his heart. I know that self control is often hard to master. The good news is we don't have to master it alone. God's word says, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV).
We need to ask God for a way to escape and endure temptation. God wants to provide an escape route. I encourage you to pray 1 Corinthians 10:13 the next time temptation comes your way.
Pray: "Heavenly Father, I call upon your Holy name. Let your will be done in my life. I acknowledge that I am tempted at this moment, but I am seeking a way of escape. May the power of self-discipline that you provide allow me to overcome this temptation. Glory to You, in Jesus name I pray! Amen"