Paul tells us in Galatians 5:22–23 that one of the fruits of the Spirit is temperance—or self-control. This fruit reminds us that Christian maturity is not just about passion or conviction, but about living with balance, restraint, and wisdom that serves the good of others.

When I think of temperance, I see how it shone—though in different ways—in two 19th-century voices: F. D. Maurice and John Stuart Mill.

Maurice, the Anglican priest and Christian Socialist, lived in an England torn between unchecked capitalism and harsh reactions to it. Yet instead of rushing to extremes, he held fast to a Spirit-shaped balance. His call for cooperative education, just labor, and fellowship across class lines reflected temperance—convictions expressed with patience, compassion, and faith.

Mill, though not a man of the Church, also practiced a form of temperance. He refused to let his life be ruled by either cold calculation or blind passion. Instead, he sought a balanced liberty, reminding us that freedom without responsibility is no freedom at all. His willingness to listen, revise, and walk the path of moderation shows us that temperance can emerge wherever truth is earnestly sought.

For us as followers of Christ, temperance is more than moderation—it is the Spirit’s gift to help us love with strength and steadiness. In a world that often pulls us toward extremes, we are called to walk the narrow way, where passion is disciplined by love, and freedom is guided by care for our neighbor.

Prayer:
Lord, by Your Spirit, cultivate temperance in us. Teach us to hold fast to truth with gentleness, to act with strength and patience, and to let all our freedom be guided by love. May the example of those who sought balance in their time inspire us to live faithfully in ours. Amen.

Litany on Temperance

Leader: The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and temperance.
People: Lord, let Your Spirit grow in us.

Leader: In a world pulled toward extremes, You call us to walk with balance.
People: Teach us temperance, O Lord.

Leader: As F. D. Maurice sought justice with patience and faith,
People: Give us wisdom to hold truth with compassion.

Leader: As John Stuart Mill practiced liberty with responsibility,
People: Teach us freedom guided by love of neighbor.

Leader: Where anger divides and fear controls,
People: Fill us with temperance, steady and strong.

Leader: Spirit of God, shape our hearts in self-control,
People: That our lives may bear fruit for Your kingdom.

All Together: Come, Holy Spirit. Grow in us the fruit of temperance, that we may live in love, walk in freedom, and serve with grace. Amen.