Temperance is one of those fruits of the Spirit that can be easy to overlook—but it's something we have opportunities to practice every single day.
One thing that has always amazed me about Jesus Christ is the way He treated people. Even when He was mocked, questioned, rejected, and ridiculed, He responded with kindness. He always had the power to react differently, but He chose love. Every time.
This painting of grapes represents temperance—the ability to govern our thoughts, emotions, and desires through the influence of the Holy Ghost. It's not about pretending we never feel frustrated, hurt, or angry. Those emotions are part of being human. Temperance is choosing to let the Spirit guide what we do with those feelings.
This lesson has been on my mind a lot lately. Not long ago, my dog Ruby was playing at the dog park when another dog got a little too rough with her. Ruby ended up being completely fine, but I wasn't exactly proud of how I reacted. My frustration got the best of me, and afterward I realized that wasn't the kind of person I want to become.
That experience reminded me that while we can't control what happens to us—or how other people choose to act—we can choose how we respond.
I'm grateful that because of Jesus Christ, we don't have to become more patient, gentle, or self-controlled on our own. As we invite Him into our lives, He helps us change little by little. Temperance isn't about being perfect; it's about becoming more like the Savior, one choice at a time.
Temperance is one of those fruits of the Spirit that can be easy to overlook—but it's something we have opportunities to practice every single day.
One thing that has always amazed me about Jesus Christ is the way He treated people. Even when He was mocked, questioned, rejected, and ridiculed, He responded with kindness. He always had the power to react differently, but He chose love. Every time.
This painting of grapes represents temperance—the ability to govern our thoughts, emotions, and desires through the influence of the Holy Ghost. It's not about pretending we never feel frustrated, hurt, or angry. Those emotions are part of being human. Temperance is choosing to let the Spirit guide what we do with those feelings.
This lesson has been on my mind a lot lately. Not long ago, my dog Ruby was playing at the dog park when another dog got a little too rough with her. Ruby ended up being completely fine, but I wasn't exactly proud of how I reacted. My frustration got the best of me, and afterward I realized that wasn't the kind of person I want to become.
That experience reminded me that while we can't control what happens to us—or how other people choose to act—we can choose how we respond.
I'm grateful that because of Jesus Christ, we don't have to become more patient, gentle, or self-controlled on our own. As we invite Him into our lives, He helps us change little by little. Temperance isn't about being perfect; it's about becoming more like the Savior, one choice at a time.
