Sacred Standards of Moral Purity
The Law of Chastity is a sacred commandment given by God to preserve the sanctity of physical intimacy and strengthen individuals, marriages, and families. This divine law reflects God's love for His children and His desire for their happiness and eternal welfare.
What Is the Law of Chastity?
The Law of Chastity is God's standard of moral purity that governs physical intimacy. Simply stated, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are to have no sexual relations except with their spouse to whom they are legally and lawfully wedded.
This law encompasses complete moral cleanliness in thought, word, and deed. It includes abstaining from sexual relations before marriage and complete fidelity after marriage. The standard applies equally to all people, regardless of age, circumstances, or cultural background.
The Sacred Nature of Physical Intimacy
A Divine Gift
Physical intimacy is a sacred gift from God, designed to express love between husband and wife and to bring children into the world. When kept within the bounds the Lord has set, it strengthens marriage and brings joy, unity, and spiritual closeness.
The power to create life is sacred and should be treated with the utmost reverence and respect. God has established marriage between a man and a woman as the proper relationship for the expression of physical intimacy and the bearing and rearing of children.
The Purpose of Physical Intimacy
- Expression of love - Deepening the emotional and spiritual bond between spouses
- Unity in marriage - Creating complete oneness between husband and wife
- Procreation - Bringing God's spirit children into mortality
- Strengthening commitment - Reinforcing the sacred covenant of marriage
Standards and Expectations
The Law of Chastity includes specific standards that guide behavior before and during marriage:
Before Marriage
Complete abstinence from sexual relations. This includes avoiding any behavior that arouses sexual feelings or leads toward intimacy reserved for marriage.
During Marriage
Complete fidelity to one's spouse. Physical intimacy is appropriate and encouraged within the bounds of marriage as an expression of love and unity.
In Thought
Maintaining clean thoughts and avoiding pornography, inappropriate media, or dwelling on impure thoughts that lead away from virtue.
In Word
Using clean language and avoiding crude jokes, inappropriate discussions, or language that degrades the sacred nature of sexuality.
In Action
Avoiding all forms of sexual behavior outside of marriage, including inappropriate touching, sexual conduct, or compromising situations.
In Relationships
Building relationships based on respect, communication, and shared values rather than physical attraction alone.
Dating and Courtship Standards
The Church provides guidance for dating and courtship that helps young people maintain moral standards while building healthy relationships:
Principles for Dating
Avoiding Temptation
Young people are counseled to avoid situations and behaviors that can lead to breaking the Law of Chastity:
- Passionate kissing - Can lead to stronger physical desires
- Intimate touching - Any touching of private or intimate parts of the body
- Compromising situations - Being alone in bedrooms, homes when parents aren't there, or secluded places
- Inappropriate media - Movies, music, books, or internet content that portrays immorality
- Immodest dress - Clothing that reveals or emphasizes intimate parts of the body
Protecting Virtue and Purity
The Church teaches practical strategies for maintaining moral cleanliness and protecting virtue:
Strategies for Maintaining Chastity
Spiritual Strength
Daily prayer, scripture study, and staying close to the Spirit
Clear Standards
Setting and communicating personal standards before dating
Good Friends
Associating with others who share similar moral standards
Worthy Activities
Engaging in uplifting recreation and service opportunities
Parental Guidance
Seeking counsel from parents and trusted leaders
Clean Media
Choosing movies, music, and internet content that uplift
Marriage: The Proper Framework
The Church teaches that marriage between a man and woman is ordained of God and is the only proper framework for physical intimacy and bringing children into the world.
Marriage as God's Plan
Marriage is not just a social contract but a sacred covenant that provides the proper framework for physical intimacy, emotional unity, and the creation of eternal families. Temple marriage adds the eternal dimension, sealing couples for time and all eternity.
Preparing for Marriage
The Law of Chastity helps prepare individuals for strong, lasting marriages by:
- Building self-control - Developing discipline and self-mastery
- Fostering respect - Learning to value others for their character and spirit
- Creating trust - Demonstrating reliability and commitment to standards
- Developing communication - Building relationships through conversation and shared experiences
- Strengthening testimony - Relying on gospel principles for guidance
Blessings of Living the Law of Chastity
Those who live the Law of Chastity receive numerous blessings both in this life and in eternity:
Personal Peace
Freedom from guilt, anxiety, and the complications that come from moral compromise.
Spiritual Strength
Increased ability to feel the Spirit and receive personal revelation and guidance.
Self-Respect
Confidence that comes from living according to divine standards and maintaining personal integrity.
Stronger Relationships
Relationships built on respect, trust, and shared values rather than physical attraction alone.
Marital Happiness
Greater trust, intimacy, and satisfaction in marriage relationships.
Temple Worthiness
Ability to attend the temple and receive sacred ordinances and eternal blessings.
The Role of Parents and Leaders
Parents and Church leaders play crucial roles in teaching and supporting the Law of Chastity:
Parental Responsibility
- Early teaching - Beginning age-appropriate discussions about morality in childhood
- Open communication - Creating an environment where children feel comfortable asking questions
- Setting example - Demonstrating moral standards in their own relationships
- Providing guidance - Offering counsel and support during dating years
- Teaching consequences - Helping children understand both blessings and consequences of choices
Church Support
- Youth programs - Activities and lessons that reinforce moral standards
- Leadership counseling - Bishops and leaders available for guidance and support
- Educational resources - Materials and programs that teach gospel principles
- Community support - Ward and stake environments that reinforce standards
Repentance and Forgiveness
The Church teaches that everyone makes mistakes, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ provides the way back for those who have transgressed the Law of Chastity.
Hope Through the Atonement
No sin is beyond the reach of the Savior's Atonement. Through sincere repentance, including confession to appropriate priesthood leaders when necessary, individuals can be completely forgiven and cleansed from moral transgression.
The Process of Repentance
True repentance includes:
- Recognition - Acknowledging the sin and its seriousness
- Remorse - Feeling genuine sorrow for the transgression
- Confession - Confessing to the Lord and, when necessary, to priesthood leaders
- Restitution - Making amends where possible and ceasing the sinful behavior
- Resolution - Committing to never repeat the sin
Modern Challenges and Responses
In today's world, maintaining moral standards faces unique challenges that require thoughtful responses:
Internet and Pornography
Installing filters, accountability software, and developing healthy habits for internet use.
Cultural Pressures
Standing firm in gospel standards despite societal acceptance of different moral standards.
Media Influence
Choosing entertainment that uplifts and avoiding content that degrades moral standards.
Peer Pressure
Finding friends who share similar values and having courage to be different.
Dating Apps
Using technology responsibly and maintaining standards in digital relationships.
Extended Singleness
Maintaining standards while waiting for the right person and timing for marriage.
The Eternal Perspective
Beyond This Life
The Law of Chastity is not just about avoiding problems in this life—it prepares us for eternal relationships and the continuation of family relationships beyond death. Living this law helps us become more like God and prepares us for the responsibilities of eternal life.
Understanding the eternal nature of marriage and family relationships helps put temporary sacrifices in perspective. The joy and unity that come from living the Law of Chastity extend far beyond this mortal life.
Teaching and Living the Standard
The Law of Chastity is best taught and lived through:
- Personal example - Living the standard consistently and openly
- Age-appropriate teaching - Sharing principles according to maturity and understanding
- Positive emphasis - Focusing on blessings rather than just prohibitions
- Spiritual foundation - Grounding standards in love for God and desire to follow Christ
- Practical guidance - Providing specific counsel for real-world situations
- Ongoing support - Continuing to encourage and assist throughout life
A Standard of Happiness
The Law of Chastity is not a restriction but a protection—a divine standard that preserves the sacred nature of physical intimacy and strengthens individuals, marriages, and families. It is a law of love, designed by a loving Heavenly Father to ensure the greatest happiness for His children.