Temperance

"But the fruit of The Spirit is ... temperance ..." Galatians 5:22-23

Temperance is self-control. It is the discipline given by The Holy Spirit that allows Christians to resist the power of the flesh. It is the ability to harness and control one's passions and lusts.

Generally, it can mean the restraining of all of one's appetites, including for food, drink, and other enjoyments in life, so as not to be excessive in their consumption.

Over indulgence in anything shows a lack of self-control. Too much of anything can be bad for us. Exercising moderation in our consumption, and not being given to excess in our appetites and passions, is much better for us.

Just because a little of something is good for us, does not mean that a lot more of it is even better. It is possible to have too much of a good thing, especially if we obsess to the point of omitting and excluding other things that we need.

We often do not do a very good job of placing limits upon ourselves, or adhering to the limits that we set for ourselves. We need the help of The Holy Spirit to exercise self-control in all areas of our lives.

We need to pray that the fruit of The Spirit will manifest itself and grow within us so that we can display "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance" and thereby be more Christ-like.