Introduction: Building a Spiritually Steady Foundation
Elder Soares teaches that temperance—the quiet, disciplined strength of self-control and balance—is a Christlike virtue that fortifies our spiritual foundations. Just as the Salt Lake Temple needed reinforcement after decades of erosion, our souls also require renewal through temperance.
This lesson help will guide your Relief Society discussion through the powerful imagery, doctrine, and examples Elder Soares shared. It will help sisters identify what “spiritual erosion” looks like in modern life and how temperance, humility, and meekness protect our faith against the storms of daily living.
Each section below includes quotes, thoughtful questions, and simple yet meaningful visuals and sharing prompts to help every sister feel personally connected to this Christ-centered principle.
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1. Strengthening Our Spiritual Foundations
“President Russell M. Nelson marveled at the efforts of the pioneers who, with limited resources and unwavering faith, built that sacred edifice … However, he also observed the effects of erosion, which over time had caused gaps in the temple’s original foundation stones.”
“Just as it was necessary to implement major measures to strengthen the foundation of the temple … we also need to take extraordinary measures … to strengthen our own spiritual foundation in Jesus Christ.”
“How firm is your foundation? And what reinforcements to your testimony and understanding of the gospel are needed?”
Engaging Discussion Questions
- What does “spiritual erosion” look like in everyday life?
- Why might our foundations weaken even when we are faithful?
- What personal “reinforcements” have you added to your testimony recently?
- How can adversity expose the weak points in our foundations?
- Why does building on Christ require ongoing maintenance, not one-time effort?
- How do humility and consistency fortify a foundation of faith?
- What extraordinary measures might modern disciples take to strengthen their faith?
- How can Relief Society help identify and fill gaps in each other’s spiritual walls?
- What habits protect against “instability in our testimony”?
- How can we tell when our spiritual structure needs renovation?
Object Lessons
- Small Cracked Rock vs. Reinforced Brick: Show how erosion weakens unguarded testimony.
- Foundation Illustration: Label cracks “pride,” “distraction,” “neglect.” Discuss repairs.
- Sand vs. Stone Demonstration: Build two small towers—one on sand, one on a rock.
- Anchor Symbol: Explain how covenants and temple worship anchor faith.
- Blueprint Visual: “What reinforcements are part of your spiritual blueprint?”
Personal Sharing Prompts
- What does “strengthening your foundation” look like in this season of life?
- Who has modeled steady, reinforced faith for you?
- When have you noticed “gaps” in your own discipleship?
- What experiences revealed the Lord strengthening you quietly over time?
- How has the temple shaped your sense of spiritual firmness?
- What spiritual habits reinforce your foundation daily?
- What does it mean to you to be “firm as the pillars of heaven”?
- When have you felt your foundation shake, and how did you find balance again?
- How has the Savior’s Atonement reinforced your faith?
- How could this week be a “renovation” for your soul?
2. Temperance: A Divine Reinforcement
“The Savior’s guidance … reminds us that temperance is an essential reinforcement for a firm foundation in Jesus Christ.”
“Temperance harmonizes and strengthens other Christlike attributes … humility, faith, hope, and charity.”
“Cultivating temperance is a meaningful way to protect our souls against … spiritual erosion.”
Engaging Discussion Questions
- How would you define temperance in your own words?
- Why does Elder Soares describe it as a “reinforcement” rather than just a virtue?
- How does temperance bring harmony to our faith?
- What does temperance look like in our tone, timing, and reactions?
- How do humility and temperance work together?
- How can practicing self-restraint strengthen hope and charity?
- Why might temperance be harder to develop in a fast-paced world?
- What spiritual disciplines cultivate moderation and balance?
- How does the Holy Ghost help us practice temperance in moments of emotion?
- What are some modern “erosions” that temperance can prevent?
Object Lessons
- Scales or Balance: Symbolize temperance as balance between extremes.
- String Under Tension: Too loose or too tight breaks harmony—temperance keeps balance.
- Salt and Light Comparison: Just enough seasoning improves everything—too much spoils it.
- Glass of Water Overflowing: Show consequences of excess or lack of restraint.
- Mirror Reflection: Christ’s attributes come into focus when temperance is practiced.
Personal Sharing Prompts
- When have you witnessed temperance change a relationship?
- What areas of life most challenge your self-control?
- Who models this Christlike calmness to you?
- When has the Spirit helped you pause before reacting?
- How do you feel when your life is balanced spiritually and emotionally?
- What attribute has temperance strengthened in you most?
- What’s one daily habit that helps you stay temperate in speech?
- When have you seen temperance protect your testimony?
- How does temperance invite peace into your home?
- What does it mean to you that temperance “adorns” disciples of Christ?
3. Temperance in Action: Restraining Anger and Cultivating Patience
“They strive not to act impulsively but choose to act with spiritual wisdom, guided by meekness and the gentle influence of the Holy Spirit.”
“They become better capable of restraining anger, nurturing patience, and treating others with tolerance, respect, and dignity.”
“They know that they can do all things through Christ, who strengthens them even in the face of trials.”
Engaging Discussion Questions
- What does “restraining anger” look like in real life?
- How does meekness invite spiritual wisdom?
- Why is patience a sign of true strength?
- How can temperance transform moments of conflict in families or wards?
- What helps you choose peace when emotions rise?
- How does being “full of love” help prevent impulsive reactions?
- How do we know when the Holy Spirit is guiding our responses?
- How do humility and respect protect against contention?
- What can we learn about discipleship from calm endurance in trials?
- How does trusting Christ make temperance possible?
Object Lessons
- Boiling Pot and Lid: Removing heat prevents boiling over—like spiritual restraint.
- Traffic Light Illustration: Red = pause; yellow = think; green = proceed with peace.
- Feather and Rock: Soft response vs. harsh reaction—both have lasting impact.
- Wind and Candle: A strong wind blows out light; temperate breath keeps it steady.
- Clay in Potter’s Hands: Gentle pressure shapes; harshness ruins the vessel.
Personal Sharing Prompts
- When has the Spirit helped you respond with calm instead of anger?
- Share a time you chose restraint and saw healing follow.
- How has patience brought you closer to Christ?
- What helps you pause before reacting in frustration?
- Who models spiritual composure in your life?
- When has forgiveness replaced offense in your heart?
- How does the Savior strengthen you to stay gentle in adversity?
- What difference does it make when you let love lead instead of pride?
- How have trials revealed your growth in temperance?
- How do you regain peace after you’ve reacted impulsively?
4. Scriptural and Prophetic Examples of Temperance
“In his Epistle to Titus, Paul conveyed sacred counsel … they should be hospitable, sober, just, and holy—qualities that reflect temperance.”
“Paul warned they should be ‘not selfwilled, not soon angry, … [and] no striker.’”
“Hannah’s song is more than a prayer—it is a self-addressed invitation to act with humility, self-control, and moderation.”
Engaging Discussion Questions
- How do Paul’s standards for disciples reflect modern discipleship?
- What does “not selfwilled” look like in practice?
- How does humility protect us from being “soon angry”?
- Why does arrogance often mask insecurity or fear?
- How can we learn from Hannah’s example of controlled expression?
- What does it mean that “actions are weighed” by God?
- How can prayer refine temperance in speech and reaction?
- Why does restraint demonstrate deeper spiritual maturity?
- What modern settings (social media, leadership, parenting) test these qualities?
- How can we help others feel the peace of a temperate heart?
Object Lessons
- Scale and Weight: God “weighs” our actions—each choice adds to character.
- Two Cups of Water—Still vs. Stirred: Stillness reflects peace; stirred water loses clarity.
- Soft Answer Card: Write “A soft answer turneth away wrath” to display during lesson.
- Mirror and Mouth Tape: Discuss the power of pausing before we speak.
- Tree Roots Illustration: Deep roots of humility keep us grounded when winds blow.
Personal Sharing Prompts
- Share a time restraint strengthened a relationship.
- Who inspires you to stay composed under pressure?
- What lessons have you learned from reacting too quickly?
- How has prayer changed your emotional responses?
- How do you keep pride from guiding your words?
- Share how humility changed your perspective in conflict.
- What does “God weighs our actions” mean to you personally?
- How has scripture study refined your character?
- When have you seen the fruits of patience in someone else’s example?
- What scripture helps you stay temperate when emotions rise?
5. Temperance in a World of Excess
“The world exalts behaviors born of aggressiveness, arrogance, impatience, and excessiveness.”
“When we turn our gaze away from temperance … we fall into the enemy’s trap.”
“It is precisely in times of challenge that the true character of an individual is revealed.”
Engaging Discussion Questions
- What are modern forms of excess or imbalance that threaten spiritual peace?
- How do social pressures push us away from moderation?
- Why is humility a quiet resistance to worldly pride?
- How can we show strength through restraint rather than excess?
- What spiritual habits help us hear the “gentle and moderating influence” of the Spirit?
- How can we teach our children balance amid constant comparison?
- How does temperance protect our mental and emotional health?
- What does it look like to live “in the world, but not of it” today?
- How can we use technology with temperance?
- How do trials reveal true discipleship?
Object Lessons
- Two Containers Overflowing and Balanced: Moderation brings peace.
- Scale of Priorities: List and balance “spiritual” and “temporal” pursuits.
- Noise vs. Silence Demonstration: Turn down sound to illustrate spiritual stillness.
- Social Mirror: Contrast validation from God vs. validation from likes or praise.
- Pendulum Swing: Extremes create instability—Christ centers us.
Personal Sharing Prompts
- How do you recognize when you’re living in spiritual excess or depletion?
- What helps you slow down and recenter on Christ?
- How have you seen the world reward impulsive behavior?
- Share a story when temperance changed your approach to a problem.
- How has choosing restraint brought more peace into your home?
- What helps you stay true when popular opinion shifts?
- When have you seen courage in moderation?
- How do you balance ambition with humility?
- What lifestyle choices strengthen your inner stillness?
- What does “true character” mean to you in times of challenge?
6. Christ, the Perfect Example of Temperance
“Jesus Christ … suffered for us until He bled from every pore, yet He never allowed anger to inflame His heart.”
“He did not think of Himself but of each of God’s children.”
“When He was reviled, He reviled not again … but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously.”
“Even in His greatest agony, the Savior demonstrated perfect and divine temperance.”
Engaging Discussion Questions
- What stands out most to you about the Savior’s restraint?
- How does Christ’s example redefine strength?
- Why is meekness such a powerful form of leadership?
- What does it mean to “commit ourselves to Him that judgeth righteously”?
- How does remembering Christ’s self-control change how we handle offense?
- How can we emulate His quiet endurance in suffering?
- Why does true temperance require trust in the Father’s justice?
- What can we learn from the Savior’s silence before His accusers?
- How does divine temperance create peace in chaos?
- How can pondering Christ’s example prepare us for His Second Coming?
Object Lessons
- Cross and Lamb: Contrast power and meekness united in Christ.
- Candle in Storm: Christ’s peace remains steady amid trial.
- Anchor Symbol: His calm faith anchors ours in adversity.
- Vine and Branch: Connection to Christ produces temperate fruit.
- White Cloth Untouched: Purity preserved through restraint and obedience.
Personal Sharing Prompts
- How has studying the Savior’s composure affected your discipleship?
- Share a time Christ’s example helped you respond differently.
- What scriptures about His meekness mean most to you?
- When have you felt the Spirit invite you to “revile not again”?
- How do you find peace in trusting God’s justice?
- When has forgiveness helped you mirror His gentleness?
- What image of Christ’s restraint moves you deeply?
- How has the temple helped you reflect His temperance?
- How do you strengthen faith when you feel mistreated or misunderstood?
- What does “commit yourself to Him that judgeth righteously” look like this week?
Conclusion: Adorning Our Hearts with Temperance
Elder Soares’s invitation is simple yet transformative: to adorn our minds and hearts with temperance—to live anchored in Christ, unmoved by provocation, and centered in charity.
In Relief Society, this lesson can help sisters recognize that temperance is not weakness but divine composure—a sacred strength that sustains faith through erosion, anger, and adversity. As we weave temperance into daily discipleship, our spiritual foundations grow firm, our hearts grow gentle, and our homes become sanctuaries of peace.
“The constant pursuit of temperance purifies our soul and sanctifies our heart before the Savior, gently drawing us nearer to Him.”
When we follow the Savior’s example of perfect restraint and trust, we too become living reflections of His steady love and unshakable peace.
