Temptation is part of life. While we may take steps to minimize temptation, we can never eliminate it completely. James said in James 1:14, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” We carry the source of temptation around with us. So what do we do when we find ourselves dealing with temptation? Number 1: We need to realize that temptation can be dealt with. We will never be put in a position where we have no choice but to sin. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 the apostle Paul wrote, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” Putting aside the temptation may be difficult, but it can be done. Number 2: Pray. Prayer is one of the best weapons we have against temptation. It is difficult to yield to temptation and sin against the God of heaven while we are talking to Him. James said, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:7-8). We both resist the devil and draw near to God in prayer. Number 3: James said, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation” (James 1:12). It is not the temptation that makes us blessed, but rather the enduring of it. Each time we resist temptation it makes us stronger and better able to withstand the next one. Number 4: It is important to note that yielding to temptation is not the end for us. In Matthew 18:21 Peter asked Jesus, “ Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus replied to Peter, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” The point that Jesus was making was that we need to be prepared to forgive someone who sins against us just as many times as they repent and ask for forgiveness. We should do that for others because that is what God is willing to do for us. We should always fight against temptation. But when we fail, don’t despair. Our loving God will forgive us as long as we will repent and ask for His forgiveness.