6th Fruit — Clarifications …
First off, the stalwart courage of Self-Discipline is not to be confused with recklessness — sometimes referred to as “bravery” (“Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” ~ Jesus in Matthew 4:7) … It is not necessary to behave with a lack of caution to exhibit real Courage. Indeed, true bravery exists in relation to what kind of action is taken, and not necessarily how that action is effectuated (“Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only those who Do the Will of the Father in Heaven.” ~ Jesus in Matthew 7:21 & “Whoever Does the Will of God is my brother and sister and Mother.” ~ Jesus in Mark 3:34-35) … Yes, we must do the Will of the Father, and yet that Will is not related to any particular deeds, but rather a specific intention underlying the same – the intention of selfless Love …
Similarly, Self-Discipline is not to be confused with “stubbornness.” Just because the most courageous action is identified as such in no way “locks one in” to sticking with that particular course of action – especially when doing so is brining others “bad fruit” (“For who knows what is truly human except the Spirit within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God” ~ 1 Corinthians 2:11) … In any situation, when new evidence presents itself (e.g. when an option proves to be either “too easy” or pain-inducing or simply ineffective), we are always free to set it aside and choose anew …
Finally, the unconventionality of divine Self-Discipline in no way requires us to be disrespectful or “rebellious” (“Give to the Emperor what is the Emperor’s, and to God what is God’s.” ~ Jesus in Mark 12:17) … What is resisted, persists, and what is fought always defends itself and ultimately grows stronger. Thus, as Christians you are not to discipline others or to direct them, but rather you are to Love them with true Self-Discipline; meaning with deeds that are in alignment with your caring sense of Dignity more than your selfish summons to sensory desires (“We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; … as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many Wealthy; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.” ~ 2 Corinthians 6:8-10) …
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