Christians generally know that they should exercise temperance and patience. However, we can often forget what these virtues are for. This forgetfulness really is a problem because knowing what they are for makes all of the difference. Peter lists temperance and patience side by side in a list of virtues that should be added to our faith and he concludes the list by saying “For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful” (2 Peter 1:8). The fruit is guaranteed if you patiently endure the lack of fruit and don’t lose your mind and emotional stability when weeds pop up.

Temperance then is not ultimately about having less than you could but the pathway to abundance. And patience is not simply enduring uncomfortable circumstances but bearing the cross so that you can wear the crown. Believing this promise is essential to exercising temperance and patience in the moment. These things are to be added to your faith and there is no way to add them to unbelief.

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