DRE, Ibadan Archdiocese

3.     Temperance: In its modern use, it is defined as moderation or voluntary self-restraint. It is typically described in terms of what an individual voluntarily refrains from doing.

Temperance is self-control or voluntary self-restraint; one’s ability to abstain from doing something, or to do whatever one does in a modest way and with restraint, whether in eating, talking, dancing, or in the use of alcoholic beverages. According CCD 324, it is the opposite of gluttony, one of the seven capital sins or vices. As a human being, we should be able to show moderation in everything we do, for example, in dressing, eating, talking, etc., and in our attitude towards our fellow human beings. 

Temperance is physically manifested and demonstrated in terms of what an individual voluntarily refrains from doing. This includes restraining oneself from retaliation, arrogance, anger, etc.; being forgiving, prudent, calm, etc. Temperance has been described as a virtue by religious thinkers, philosophers and more recently psychologists, particularly in the positive psychology movement. It has also been depicted in classical iconography as a woman with two vessels, transferring water from one to another. It was one of the cardinal virtues in western thought found in Greek philosophy and Christianity.

 

4. Brotherly Love: This is a feeling of humanity and compassion towards others, especially, fellow humans. Brotherly love is the extension of natural affection with near kin towards the greater community. Brotherly love is the kind of love that one enjoys from other people in an attempt to satisfy others need. In CCD 324, Brotherly love is the opposite of envy, one of the seven capital sins or vices.

In his teachings, when Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment is, he said to love one’s neighbour as oneself. As Christians, if we love one another, we shall not be thinking of evil against our fellow men. The Gospel of John 13:34 states that ‘And now I give you a new commandment, love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another, if you have love for one another, then everyone will know you are my disciples.’ As children of God, we should live in love.

 

We can show love by sharing what we have with those who have none. We can also show love by constantly visiting our brothers and sisters in their homes, visiting the sick and hospitalized. If we have opportunity, we can adopt and help to educate children of the less privileged.

There is also the related agape love, which is the paternal love of God for man, and the love of man for God, but extended to include brotherly love for all humanity. Therefore, there is need for us as Christians to show love to other people. Brotherly love goes beyond the mere duty. It shows itself as unfeigned love from a pure heart, which extends an unconditional hand of friendship that loves even when not loved back, that gives without getting, and that ever looks for what is best in others.