Temperance (Greek: sophrosyne, meaning soundness of mind or moderation) is: • Self-control and moderation, especially over bodily desires (like food, drink, lust, and anger). • A fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). • Part of the ascetic life—the life of struggle (askesis) against the passions (pathē).
In the teaching the goal of life is theosis (union with God), and temperance is necessary because:
❝ The passions cloud the soul and distance it from God. ❞ — St. Maximus the Confessor
Where Temperance Is Practiced in Life 1. Fasting • Not just about food, but controlling all appetites. • Helps train the body and soul for holiness. 2. Prayer and Watchfulness (Nepsis) • Staying alert to one’s thoughts and inner movements. • Practicing restraint in speech and action. 3. Confession & Spiritual Guidance • Regular confession helps identify areas where temperance is lacking. • A spiritual father helps guide a person toward balance. 4. Marriage and Chastity • Even within marriage, moderation and respect are encouraged. • Outside of marriage, chastity is expected.
Saints and Teachings on Temperance • St. John Climacus (author of The Ladder of Divine Ascent): He teaches that temperance is a step toward purity, necessary before acquiring dispassion (apatheia) and love (agape). • St. Basil the Great: Emphasized fasting and temperance as tools to conquer pride and lust. • St. Isaac the Syrian: Wrote extensively about internal vigilance and the importance of ruling the passions.
Temperance vs Legalism
It doesn’t see temperance as simply following strict rules. Instead, it’s about:
Healing the soul, not just behavior modification.
So temperance is a means to freedom, not restriction. By mastering desires, the person becomes truly free to love God and others.
LTM Simply
What Is Temperance ?
Temperance (Greek: sophrosyne, meaning soundness of mind or moderation) is:
• Self-control and moderation, especially over bodily desires (like food, drink, lust, and anger).
• A fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).
• Part of the ascetic life—the life of struggle (askesis) against the passions (pathē).
In the teaching the goal of life is theosis (union with God), and temperance is necessary because:
❝ The passions cloud the soul and distance it from God. ❞
— St. Maximus the Confessor
Where Temperance Is Practiced in Life
1. Fasting
• Not just about food, but controlling all appetites.
• Helps train the body and soul for holiness.
2. Prayer and Watchfulness (Nepsis)
• Staying alert to one’s thoughts and inner movements.
• Practicing restraint in speech and action.
3. Confession & Spiritual Guidance
• Regular confession helps identify areas where temperance is lacking.
• A spiritual father helps guide a person toward balance.
4. Marriage and Chastity
• Even within marriage, moderation and respect are encouraged.
• Outside of marriage, chastity is expected.
Saints and Teachings on Temperance
• St. John Climacus (author of The Ladder of Divine Ascent):
He teaches that temperance is a step toward purity, necessary before acquiring dispassion (apatheia) and love (agape).
• St. Basil the Great:
Emphasized fasting and temperance as tools to conquer pride and lust.
• St. Isaac the Syrian:
Wrote extensively about internal vigilance and the importance of ruling the passions.
Temperance vs Legalism
It doesn’t see temperance as simply following strict rules. Instead, it’s about:
Healing the soul, not just behavior modification.
So temperance is a means to freedom, not restriction. By mastering desires, the person becomes truly free to love God and others.
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