One of the main virtues of a Christian is temperance. What does it mean, and how can it be practiced in modern life? #

Temperance is indeed one of the most important virtues of Christian life. It was exemplified by the Old Testament prophets and demonstrated through the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul mentions temperance among the fruits of the Spirit—that is, the virtues of a godly person (Galatians 5:22-23).

The word temperance itself reveals its meaning: it is the act of restraining oneself, like holding oneself back with a bridle, from certain actions, words, thoughts, or desires. This includes refraining from sinful behaviors (such as carnal passions and fornication) as well as from excesses in otherwise permissible joys of life (e.g., overeating). At times, it may also involve abstaining even from moderate things (e.g., fasting from food or abstaining from marital relations during periods of fasting) as a special form of asceticism.

Voluntary self-restraint, which defines temperance, is a constant companion of a Christian in their earthly life. Without it, it is impossible to fulfill God’s commandments. Indeed, what are the well-known Ten Commandments given to Israel through Moses if not commandments to abstain from all forms of evil?

It is important to emphasize that God is pleased with voluntary temperance, not one imposed by coercion. For example, consider the Apostle Paul’s instruction regarding marital abstinence:

“Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.”
(1 Corinthians 7:5)

For “the wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife” (1 Corinthians 7:4). It should be noted that some take the latter phrase out of context to justify their lack of restraint, compelling their spouse against their will to engage in relations instead of devoting time to fasting and prayer. To prevent such misinterpretation, the Apostle adds the words, “except it be with consent.”

In our time, as in any other period of history, a person has every opportunity to “depart from evil and do good” (Psalm 34:14). This requires reading Holy Scripture and the works of the Holy Fathers to discern what is sin and what is virtue. It also requires engaging in constant spiritual warfare against the devil—driving away sinful thoughts with prayer and not allowing the mind to dwell on them. One must train themselves in self-restraint, healing past sins with their opposite virtues, as the psalmist instructs: the one who used to steal should now give to the needy; the one who indulged in fornication should now live chastely, and so on. Even in innocent pleasures, one should exercise moderation and mindfulness.

Archpriest Vadim Korovin.