The Power of Restraint

Jesus was (and is) God (John 1:1, John 1:18, John 10:30, Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 9:6, 1 John 5:20). Therefore, because Jesus is God, he has unlimited power (Job 36:22, John 13:3). Maybe the most impactful demonstration of his power was that of his power of restraint—that of not using his power when he could have or in a way that we might respond out of human nature.

This power of restraint was probably most evident during his trial and while he was on the cross. Throughout this period of time and events he endured such intense suffering. Fear. Betrayal. Anger. Abandonment. Torture. Pain. Sadness. Rejection. Unmerited punishment. Oppression. Judgement. False accusations. Discrimination.

 

These words probably only touch the surface of what Jesus underwent. Yet, in spite of all this, he restrained from using the power to stop it or retaliate. It would have only taken one word to stop it all. Just one word. Nevertheless, instead of a showy manifestation of almighty power, Jesus exhibited a more humble display of something possibly far more difficult—the power of restraint. 

At his disposal…

Jesus was given ALL power and authority by God, his father. He had authority to show power but didn’t use it, instead using a different kind of power—restraint. Jesus could have smote anyone or anything that came against him, mocked or criticized him, or caused him pain. He could have received the instant help of thousands of angels, yet he refrained from doing so.

“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God” John 13:3 (NIV)

“Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” Matthew 26:53 (NIV)

Utmost self-control

Jesus had the utmost self-control, patience and trust…to endure that kind of pain and suffering when he could have ended it at any time. I can’t even imagine the immense physical pain that he must have gone through. This doesn’t even include the emotional torment that he experienced from the rejection, betrayal, criticism, and abandonment.

I think of times when I’ve suffered excruciating pain (both physical and emotional). I’ve begged for God to end it. I don’t know that I would have had the kind of restraint to withstand as much as Jesus did knowing that I could stop it with one request.

No restraint for me

I’ve been told by doctors before that I must have a high tolerance for pain. After my experiences with childbirth though, I must disagree! I was open to having an epidural with my firstborn but wasn’t sure if I’d really need it. I learned very quickly after my water broke that I DID in fact need it. I couldn’t tolerate the pain of the contractions, but I still had to wait because I wasn’t dilated enough. Time couldn’t pass fast enough for me to get that juice! No restraint.

Then with my daughter, the doctor ended up breaking my water, and I was already dilated enough to have an epidural. Apparently I hadn’t learned my lesson the first time though because I said, “Actually, it’s not so bad right now. Let’s wait.” A few minutes later Eric decided to step outside to get some fresh air before the action started. As he walked down the hall passing the nurse’s station, he heard this frantic, crazy lady buzzing in yelling that she needed her epidural now.

It wasn’t until he got back up to the room that he learned that crazy lady was in fact his wife! He was made to wait in the hall while that crazy lady hollered a few explicatives followed quickly by “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to say that!” (Insert ashamed forehead slap here!)

I’m also ashamed to admit that there have been other times where I was caused some emotional pain only to retaliate with harshness. Needless to say, I had no power of restraint in any of these situations. I think I will continuously be a work in progress in this area. I know I can do better.

Is it possible for us to do the same as Jesus?

Although it could prove to be very difficult, we have the capacity to show the same power of restraint. The Bible reminds us that we are called to do good, even if it means suffering, and it urges us to look to Jesus as our example. He resisted retaliation, revenge, and negative reactions based on emotion.

“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” 1 Peter 2:21-23 (NLT)

We don’t have unlimited power as Jesus did, but we DO have the power of Jesus inside of us if he is our Lord. This is the very same power that raised Jesus from the dead. We also have the fruit of the spirit within us, of which self-control is one.

“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 1:19-20 (NLT)

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

We already have that capacity to exhibit restraint and self-control, and we can overcome the human nature to retaliate with the help of God who enables us to do so. 

Take Some Practical Steps to Operate in the Power of Restraint:

• First, self-evaluate—Is your natural first response retaliation or humility and restraint?

Look back and assess the times that you have retaliated in moments of pain, suffering, criticism, or when you have been wronged. Is striking back your auto-pilot reaction? If you do have a sense of restraint, how long does it take for you to break? How much can you put up with before you react? How do you think Jesus would have responded in those situations?

• Next, move toward having the power of restraint, little by little.

If your natural response doesn’t mirror Jesus, that’s okay. You can move in that direction little by little. Lasting change happens little by little. You’re not going to change overnight, but you can purpose to be more intentional in this area. Pray about it. Ask God for help. He does not ask you to do anything that you are not capable of doing. Ask Him for more grace and patience and to tap into that self-control produced inside of you by the Holy Spirit. Then, when you have a negative reaction, repent and learn from it. Remind yourself that Jesus is your example. If he endured, so can you, and God has given you the power to do so. If and when needed, claim the above-mentioned verses over yourself…

“God has given me power—the same mighty power the raised Jesus from the dead. I am strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. I have self-control.” (Positive affirmation based on Ephesians 1:19-20, Ephesians 6:10, & Galatians 5:22-23)

• Purpose to not let your feelings and emotions determine your reactions.

Your feelings are not the boss of you. This is where I channel my inner 3 year old and say, “You’re not the boss of me!” 🙂

• Use wisdom and discretion to determine the proper times and ways to fight back when necessary.

I do believe there is a time and a place to endure attacks, but I also firmly believe that God never intended for us to be doormats to be walked on by people. Read more in this post about how to fight back properly.

• Finally determine, where you need to show more power of restraint in your life right now. Where are you going to start?

Where do you need to show more power of restraint in your life right now? Tell us about it by leaving a comment below.

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If you know anyone that could benefit from this, please pay it forward!  Share this post via the sharing links below.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)