Third Sunday

3. Learn more about the law of chastity

God approves of sexual relations only between a man and a woman who are married. This is the law of chastity. The law of chastity is about trust, loyalty, creation, and covenant family. Being chaste includes avoiding pornography and treating sex and sexual feelings like a sacred gift from God. It means being sexually pure in thoughts, words, actions, and media choices.

Other resources

• Guide to the Scriptures, “Chastity,” “Virtue”

• “Live the Law of Chastity,” Preach My Gospel, 83–84

• Topics and Questions, “Chastity” (Gospel Library)

Here are some questions and learning activities you could try:

• How can you be chaste in your thoughts?

  The thirteenth article of faith says that we seek things that are “virtuous and lovely.” How do you know if something is virtuous and lovely? Share some examples of things in your life that fit that description, and talk about these questions:

  How do your media choices affect your thoughts?

  How do they affect your relationships?

  What can you do to protect yourself and others from harmful media? As part of this discussion, talk about these guidelines for taking charge of technology:

Purpose	Plan	Pause
I can use technology with a purpose. It doesn’t control me. (Doctrine and Covenants 112:6.)	When I plan ahead, I feel better and make better choices. (Alma 34:32.)	It’s OK for me to pause and take a break. (Doctrine and Covenants 101:16.)

Write down three ways you can protect your thoughts this week (examples: limit screen time, choose uplifting music, or avoid a certain show).

• How can you practice being chaste in your actions?

  As you live the law of chastity, you become a person who can be trusted, who has self-control, who respects boundaries, and who can create and maintain a covenant relationship. Read about how Joseph of Egypt honored the law of chastity in Genesis 39:7–12. What do you learn from Joseph’s actions when he faced temptation?

  What else do you learn from “Keep sex and sexual feelings sacred” in the FSY guide (page 52) that helps you understand what it means to be chaste in your actions?

• Can a person be forgiven after breaking the law of chastity?

  Satan wants us to believe that when we have broken the law of chastity, we are no longer worthy of God’s love and forgiveness. But this is not true. Read Alma 39:1–15; 42:29–31; 49:30 and talk about the hope Alma felt for his son Corianton. There is always a way back. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can repent and be forgiven. Christ’s love and atoning sacrifice are bigger than any mistake.