Scripture Reading: Psalm 139:13-16, Proverbs 5:15-19, Matthew 5:27-30, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, 1 Corinthians 7:1-9, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
ity feels a little like walking in a mine field. Too much can go wrong, and it’s too easy to hurt others. But Jesus felt so strongly about how we handle our sexual desires and temptations that He used dramatic, over-the-top language saying that it’s better to maim your own body than for your whole life to be destroyed by a wayward sexual appetite (Matthew 5:27–30).
As tender of a subject as it is for so many, let’s remember that Scripture begins with God creating people to live an inextricably linked story of soul and body. And He called this very good. We weren’t meant to experience life on a bodily level apart from our soul. Maybe that’s why sex brings up so much—it doesn’t just affect one part of us (1Corinthians 6:16–17). God’s design is that sex would be experienced vulnerably and fully within a marriage relationship, but because of sin, we don’t always experience life the way God intended. Our own experiences, the ones we choose and those we don’t, can bring profound pain instead of joy.
I’m not going to pretend I have the perfect formula of how to avoid sexual sin and scars. When sin came into the world, we all became marked by it in a holistic way, including our sexuality. So chastity is for everyone—not just one gender or one relationship status—for all are called to honor God with our sexual thoughts and behavior. This is God’s grace: Though we are all broken, we are all offered redemption and holiness in Jesus.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.
—Romans 12:1
The beauty of the gospel is that Jesus stepped into the story of humanity in order to redeem it. God can call us to be a living sacrifice because Jesus was the last and final sacrifice. He afforded us full access to God for those who trust in and follow Him. And Jesus continues stepping into our own stories, redeeming every broken part of our lives and fulfilling the longings we hold to.
Paul went on to say that this true worship begins in our minds, and so it is with chastity. Chastity is both a practice and a pursuit, what we do and who we are becoming. True holiness enlists our whole self—what we give our minds to will soon be followed by our bodies and our lives. And as Jesus followers, we have the privilege of believing that God has invited us into a life of flourishing, with every part of our lives.
Sisters and brothers, He made you, you on purpose. He loves you and delights in you. And He has not left us alone, even when we feel we may be. He is with us as we walk by His grace, trusting Him with every part of ourselves.
EDITED
When the She Reads Truth team assigned me this topic, I was ecstatic. I couldn’t wait to open a fresh Google doc and write about the world’s least awkward subject.
Written by Becca Owens
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20 thoughts on "Chastity"
Logged in for the first time in a long time. Crazy how He works. I was hesitant about today’s reading but knew it was meant for me. A great reminder that we were saved by His body so we need to glorify Him with ours.
I have mentored a number of single young ladies (and a few older) in my ministry.
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Sexual sin is very real and such a big temptation. No one is exempt, not even a faithful believer because the evil one is at work 24/7!
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I try to always encourage the young ladies in these boundaries…
1)Read and memorize scripture that will help you to stay pure
2)Remember that God always gives us a way to escape our temptations
3)Do not let yourself be in a situation that you will be more easily tempted (don’t be alone in secluded places with your significant other)
4)Have someone to be accountable to
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I know that it is a real struggle for many, but God is able to give all of us the power to say no to sin.
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Praying for all of you single sisters here at SRT. May each of us continue to encourage each other and provoke one another to love and good works. (Hebrews 10:24)
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Praying for all of your requests.
Happy Thursday!
Such a good topic & encouragement for my single ladies as well as the married women in the group! I am learning more & more to be content in my singleness each day. In God’s timing I trust!
Amen!
I pray for you Susan, and for a list of other single ladies here at SRT.May you continue to trust God in this area of your life and in His perfect timing. ❤️
It’s such a privilege to occupy this God created and God inspired body.
Grateful for mentors and friends in Christ who give grace but more importantly hold us accountable and remind us of such. There is space between condemnation and encouragement when it comes to lust and sexual immorality- living Gods word helps us navigate the topic of chastity not just in our own lives but also when we are called to disciple and fellowship with others.
Amen
Amen
Amen❤️
After listening to the SRT podcast with C. Cane yesterday, I was definitely interested in today’s subject. I have two young adult daughters and a younger son. These are confusing and perverted times in our country
Me as well! So much junk and too many lies thrown at all of us, especially our kids.
Amen
Precious Tina, I pray for several of our single sisters by name every day and you are one of them. Everyone wants to be loved (and desired). Thank you for sharing your heart with us today and every day. You are such a blessing. May God grant you the desires of your heart and may you have the wisdom to wait for His perfect mate for you. ❤️
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Pass!
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Move on!
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No thank you!
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These thoughts all crossed my mind in quick succession as I read the heading.. I’m not going to lie, this is not a subject I like to talk about!
Reading Ginnys gentle words, eased it a tad to enable me to comment.
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Not much to say really apart from the fact that being on one’s own is hard, I have not had my hand held let alone been in a relationship for nearly 21years, that’s hard, that is painful, especially to the heart, forget anywhere else!
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BUT GOD..
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As He would like me to present my body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Him, So, His Words are a salve for my searching, seeking and waiting heart for one with whom I could be in a Godly relationship, with whom God gives His blessing.
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I know this is not about desire, dreams and hopes, well not really, and yet somehow, it’s all tangled together in this earthly life..
I was going to say I’ve been celibate for over 20 years until I looked it up.. a choice to abstain from marriage and all sexual activity.. well, mine was not choice.. I would love to be in a relationship again…. BUT, in Gods timing!
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For now, I hold fast to God, knowing whatever His plan and purpose for my life, His Word feeds my soul and I pray my body such as it is, is holy and pleasing to Him.
May i worship Him with my body mind and soul, daily..
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AMEN.
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A tough subject, BUT GOD..
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.Happy Thursday dear hearts, covering you all in prayer and love, and totally wrapped in hugs..❤️
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BUT GOD..
Praying, Tina, for the Lord to orchestrate the meeting of your person. Keep holding onto Him, I’m praying you will be blessed in the waiting. I met my person in my mid 30’s but brought to the marriage a history of divorce and sin by not waiting on the Lord. Even the hardest period of waiting on God is easier than living with the consequences of getting ahead of the Lord’s plan.
Wow! So good Searching! Yes! “Even the hardest period of waiting on God is easier than living with the consequences of getting ahead of the Lord’s plan “. Thank you so much for this! Praying with all these Sisters for the helpmate our Father has chosen and is preparing for you Tina. Searching thank you so much for the encouragement this morning.
I love this as well. As a newer single person in my late 40’s. Separated since 2023 and divorced since summer of 25. I am not in a hurry. But do get lonely often. Especially now that my 2 oldest are both away at school. And my son lives with me every other week. BUT GOD. He is good! All the time!
I pray for you often Tina, that God would bring that special someone into your life. And Lord willing, one day He will! But, in the meantime – you have something that those of us who are in relationships or married don’t – the freedom to serve the Lord in any and every capacity that you desire. Relish this time and as you said, hold fast to God, He has a purpose and a plan for your life.
Blessings to you on this Thursday!❤️