God's "Gift" of Temptation - Part 2

If you read the last post, you saw how a trip I recently took to participate in Board meetings led to temptations - specifically temptations to charity. You have to understand that, as it became clear that the "other side" was engaging in rather dirty tactics involving exaggeration and outright lies in order to get what they wanted (and this supposedly in the interests of  a Catholic organization!), my emotions began to run wild. They ran especially wild when I, and others on my side of the dispute, became the butt of personal attacks - attacks that had no merit. (Thank God we did not respond in kind.)

And so the temptations to charity began to build. "I'm so weak," I'm thinking. Why am I so upset with these exaggerations and lies? I know the truth. Oh, right, the personal attacks, that's what's really knocking me for a loop and getting me riled up: I stood to be embarrassed - or worse - by innuendo and accusations that had no real merit. But, still, why should I care, if I'm sticking with the truth? Wasn't Our Lord subject to far worse throughout His life, never mind His Passion?

The temptations to charity entered the drama when the desire to present the truth turned into resentment, anger and, finally, even the desire for revenge. Understand that - by the grace of God - these emotions were eventually held in check and did not result in any revenge. But, still, the temptations raged and I was thinking that they were signs of my imperfection, my lack of charity.

Now we'll see how these temptations really should be seen as "gifts" from God - gifts that help us to actually grow in charity and, therefore, grow closer to Him. We'll turn to Father Winfred Herbst, S.D.S for some spiritual guidance here. Responding to the question of whether temptation was a sign of extraordinary imperfection in striving to live a spiritual life, he said:

"No! When temptations that are not willful are resisted, far from doing harm to the soul they are a source of great gain in the spiritual order...an occasion of growth in virtue...of growth in the love of God...of increase of grace and merit for heaven. Firm resistance to temptation means perfect love of God and fidelity in His service...obedience to His holy low...a more solid proof of true love than a hundred of the most fervent verbal acts of love could be. Refusing to approve a sinful thought...refusing to perform a sinful action, no matter how enticing the temptation may be, no matter how strongly it may press upon the will - that is certainly a most solid proof of genuine love of God. Thus we can understand the words of St. James: 'Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been proved, he shall receive the crown of life, which God hath promised to them that love Him' (James 1:12). 'Count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations, knowing that the trying of your faith worketh patience. And patience hath a perfect work; that you may be perfect and entire, failing in nothing' (James1:2). - Temptations hold a prominent place in God's plan for raising souls to the heights of sanctity and eternal glory. Temptation, as is eveident form the above is no sin. Only if the will gives its approval and adheres to the evil suggestion, is a sin committed...O timid, over-anxious soul, assailed by such abominable temptations! Remember that as long as your will remains opposed to the temptations, they become the source of merit and blessing for you rather than a sin. As long as you have a doubt about the consent to such temptation, you may be sure that you have not consented."

I've read and re-read Father's words. How rich a source of consolation and encouragement after a harrowing few days!

Deo Gratias.