What is self-control born of the Holy Spirit?

All of God’s people experience Him differently.  I often experience the Holy Spirit in a conversation, and recently He led me to start posting some of our conversations.  I speak in italics, and our Lord in bold print. click here to read about how this series came to be.

What is self-control born of the Holy Spirit?

Spirit-filled self-control is different than what you have tried on your own.  Self-control born of the Spirit is a discipline of surrender rather than effort.  It is a surrender of self, not an exertion of self.  I will teach you through diet and exercise.  But your focus will not be on diet and exercise, or the results of it, but on me.  Through this you will learn self-control in all areas: work, thought, emotions, relationships.  Focus on me and surrender to obedience.  And the Spirit will give you self-control.