< ALMA 7
v. 23. And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.
The Natural Man
What does a changed reborn person look like?
humility, submissiveness, gentleness, patience, teachability, easily entreated (open to correction, responsive to goodness, not hardened by pride or fear).
Mosiah 3 defines the problem (the natural man)
Alma 5 diagnosis the heart (have ye been born of God?)
Alma 7 describes the transformed life
The Natural Man
What does a changed reborn person look like?
humility, submissiveness, gentleness, patience, teachability, easily entreated (open to correction, responsive to goodness, not hardened by pride or fear).
Mosiah 3 defines the problem (the natural man)
Alma 5 diagnosis the heart (have ye been born of God?)
Alma 7 describes the transformed life
v. 23. And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.
Temperate in All Things
Alma 7:23 reminds of what the natural man is not and what the reborn, spiritual man is.
Being temperate means to be able to enjoy good things without being ruled by them.
It is not being emotionless, avoiding pleasure, living cautiously or timidly, or taking the middle ground in every opinion. Being temperate means your inner life has been reordered. Your desires answer to your conscience. Your emotions answer to the truth. Your habits answer to your purpose.
Being temperate means that you live so that no appetite, emotion, habit, or success governs you more than your commitment to God. It is not the abscence of desire, but the presence of mastery - a life where every good thing has its proper place and none are allowed to rule the soul.
In Webster's 1828 dictionary it notes: temperance is command of one's passions. Moderation in regard to the indulgence of natural appetites and passions.
In D&C 12:7-8 it notes that "no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care."
Elder Soares note: It is one of the indispensable virtues, not only for those who have been called to serve but also for all who have made sacred covenants with the Lord and accept to follow Him faithfully. Temperance harmonizes and strengthens other Christlike attributes mentioned in this revelation: humility, faith, hope, charity, and the pure love that flows from Him. Furthermore, cultivating temperance is a meaningful way to protect our souls against the subtle yet constant spiritual erosion caused by worldly influences that can weaken our foundation in Jesus Christ.
Temperate in All Things
Alma 7:23 reminds of what the natural man is not and what the reborn, spiritual man is.
Being temperate means to be able to enjoy good things without being ruled by them.
It is not being emotionless, avoiding pleasure, living cautiously or timidly, or taking the middle ground in every opinion. Being temperate means your inner life has been reordered. Your desires answer to your conscience. Your emotions answer to the truth. Your habits answer to your purpose.
Being temperate means that you live so that no appetite, emotion, habit, or success governs you more than your commitment to God. It is not the abscence of desire, but the presence of mastery - a life where every good thing has its proper place and none are allowed to rule the soul.
In Webster's 1828 dictionary it notes: temperance is command of one's passions. Moderation in regard to the indulgence of natural appetites and passions.
In D&C 12:7-8 it notes that "no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care."
Elder Soares note: It is one of the indispensable virtues, not only for those who have been called to serve but also for all who have made sacred covenants with the Lord and accept to follow Him faithfully. Temperance harmonizes and strengthens other Christlike attributes mentioned in this revelation: humility, faith, hope, charity, and the pure love that flows from Him. Furthermore, cultivating temperance is a meaningful way to protect our souls against the subtle yet constant spiritual erosion caused by worldly influences that can weaken our foundation in Jesus Christ.
Soares October 2025 General Conference
v. 24 And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.
Faith, Hope, Charity
Faith: Trusting in God enough to act before you can see the outcome.
Hope: Confidence that God's promises are real
Charity: Christlike love, pure love
Faith acts, Hope endures, Charity is
Faith, Hope, Charity
Faith: Trusting in God enough to act before you can see the outcome.
Hope: Confidence that God's promises are real
Charity: Christlike love, pure love
Faith acts, Hope endures, Charity is