The word temptation comes fro the Latin verb “tentare” which means “to try”, “to prove”. Temptation is a trail. It is an incitement to evil proposed to the will.

A soldier cannot merit a reward for bravery unless he has been exposed in the frontline to perils and danger of battle, so neither can we prove our loyalty and love to God unless we are tried and tested by temptation.

No one can be crowned unless he/she has conquered, no one can fight without an enemy. Hence temptation must come. St. Paul writes that no one will be tempted beyond his strength (cf. 1Cor:13). Temptation does not necessarily lead to sin. In temptation we can distinguish three stages-suggestions, delight and consent. The suggestion to do wrong in itself is not sin. True, we have to guard our thought, but at times we cannot prevent suggestions and ideas from intruding into our mind.

Even when we involuntarily experience a delight in possibility of performing the proposed act or of enjoying the sinful thought, its not sin. There is sin only when we deliberately give in and consent to this delight or when we decide to perform the suggested evil.

All men are obliged to resist temptation, for St. Peter say: “resist him, (the devil) steadfast in your faith.” (1 Per.5:9)
This resistance to temptation may be either passive or active. One is said to resist temptation passively when he/she neither approves nor checks it. One is said to resist temptation actively when he/she tries positively to check it by apt means.

This can be done directly, that is, one rejects the seductive thoughts and images and tries to rid of them by running away from the place or person. It can be done even indirectly, that is one rejects the seductive thought and image by diverting the mind to something else that is good or indifferent.
Sometimes remaining firmly resolved not to offend God and diverting one’s thoughts to indifferent objects that hold one’s attention readily are the only means of overcoming temptation in the actual moments of temptation.

At times there is the obligation of resisting temptation actively and directly. Then only could one be morally sure that he avoids the proximate danger of falling into temptation.
The most effective help in overcoming or escaping from temptation are the reception of the sacrament, prayer, meditation which gives one insight into the allurement of sin in the light of wisdom of the Cross.
Vigilance over all disordered thoughts, feelings, mortification and above all flight from willful occasion of sin. The Lord tells us: “Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trail; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”(Mt 26:41)