Tag: temperance

Recently I’ve been fascinated by birds. I love the freedom they portray for me. Listening to their gentle chirping to one another. Finding delight in a hummingbird’s visit to my Firecracker bush or the sighting of the brilliant red cardinal and its mate. I’m coming to the realization that these creatures are the Spirit’s voice urging me to trust in loving providence which purifies my heart.

Temperance is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods. It ensures the will’s mastery over instincts and keeps desires within the limits of what is honorable. The temperate person directs the sensitive appetites toward what is good and maintains a healthy discretion: “Do not follow your inclination and strength, walking according to the desires of your heart.” Temperance is often praised in the Old Testament: “Do not follow your base desires, but restrain your appetites.” In the New Testament it is called “moderation” or “sobriety.” We ought “to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world.”