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
Note: An incorrect version of this devotional was published on the morning of 9/10/2026. The correct devotional for today is now below.
Honestly, writing about chastity 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.
Written by Becca Owens
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98 thoughts on "Chastity"
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God is with us even when can’t tell He is, He tells that our bodies are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit so we should take care of ourselves. God also tells us how important it is to have have sex after marriage, because when we are married we know that we are committed under one convent under God.
Oh my goodness, Erin, you’ve done it again. I found myself in tears, needing to just sit for a while after reading your wise and sensible words. My grandmother who is 94 lives with dementia. But for those of us who still remember, her children, her grandchildren, we hold the memories close to our hearts. We cherish the homemade dishes she made for us, her sense of humor, and the strength and faithfulness she showed through life’s hardships. What a lovely devotional we have today. “We are people of faith with frayed cords”. A thought crossed my mind, how painful it must be to be forgotten. And how painful it must be to be God. May we rehearse the goodness of GOD in our mind and give Him thanks and praise for the gift of eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ.
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RHONDA J- praying for Brayden that the Lord will transform his life through this situation.
TRACI- healing for your bone graft and successful stages ahead for the implant.
TERESA- thank you for sharing your story, may God continue to strengthen and heal you from such an impact.
SEARCHING- thank you for asking sister. Memorizing takes repetition as my elementary teacher used to say. I don’t have any special tip but just the plain old repetition daily :) I’ve printed out scriptures by topic and taped them around my home office walls, during breaks, I stand up from my computer, stretch, read them, and decree and declare Scripture daily. I find this practice help my mental state to shift from grumpy to joyful and strong (dwell on what’s praiseworthy, the glorious promises of GOD that are rightfully ours). Consistent, daily repetition really helps with memory. And Vitamin B helps too (B for brain!).
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I pray you all have a wonderful weekend. Be blessed dear sisters.
I meant to say Heather very inspiring!
Amen
This is not an easy topic and can very much make us uncomfortable, convicted, sad, embarrassed, heartbroken, triggered and so much more. Our reading today, beautifully written and scripture clear on its teaching and so appreciate all of the thoughts and reflections shared here. Our soceity and the influence around us cheers for anything but living a life of chastity. I have talked with many young women over the years that have desired to live out purity and its not easy. Giving the struggle a voice and accountability greatly helps. It feels nearly impossible to guard ones eyes and mind from exposure or images and we have to be so,so aware and diligent so we don’t become desensitized. There are many pieces and parts of chastity (or lack thereof) that have affected my life over the years and as was shared on the podcast and also here it never just affects – we don’t sin in a vaccum. I am focusing on this verse asking Jesus to lead and guide my heart, mind, and body towards the holiness He has called us to. ❤️
‘For God has not called us to impurity but to live in holiness.’ 1 Thess 4:9
So much truth in your comment. Thanks for sharing. ❤️
This is a hard subject for me. My first husband left me to marry a woman he arrested – a drug dealer and prostitute. So the verse from 1 Corinthians 6:16 hit me hard today. “Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”
Truthfully, I have never recovered from his betrayal. I think one of the things to remember when talking about chastity and sexual purity is that sin in this area does not only impact and hurt the one committing the sin. Someone betrayed in this area can truly be destroyed emotionally and even in their spiritual life. My ex was a deacon in our church. It took me many years to recover my own faith and relationship with God.
I appreciated everyone’s thoughtful comments today.
Teresa….I am so sorry that you have been so deeply hurt by such an awful betrayal. What devastating heartache. May you be reminded often of God’s faithfulness and the love has for you that never fails.❤️
Thank you, Wendy. ❤️
I’m so sorry that happened Teresa. You are a very strong woman to recover and reclaim your faith. May the Lord continue to bless you fir the resolve you have commited to following him.
Thank you, Heather ❤️
Teresa I’m sorry to hear of this painful hardship you experienced in your first marriage. I’m so glad what has been redeemed is your relationship with with God. I pray He continues to heal the hurt from that marriage.
Thank you, Danielle B ❤️
I love how God cares about our behavior as well as our thoughts. So many of our sinful behavior starts in our minds. That is why I basically don’t usually listen to secular music and am careful about the shows I watch. I am very sensitive to the content that I take in, it can really affect me negatively.
Agreed! Very wise of you at a younger age! It will be a good practice with your young girls as well!
What a thoughtful way to approach such a delicate topic (Thank you Becca). Lately I’ve been paying closer attention to how entertainment portrays certain things, and honestly it concerns me, even music lyrics are alarming. It moves me to pray, for my children’s purity, for the way they think, for their classmates and friends, for the content they encounter, and for young people everywhere, that God would keep them pure and holy, grant them the mind of Christ, and guard their minds, hearts, bodies, and souls, gateways of their eyes, ears, from anything unclean that the world tries to corrupt them with. I love Joseph’s example, the young and handsome Joseph. He fled sexual temptation, no negotiation or reasoning, just flight! It takes strength and prior commitment to not sin against God. Job 31:1 says, “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman”. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is self-control, and God’s strength for us in times of weakness is a real gift. Be blessed dear sisters.
Very good points, Mercy. Today’s acceptance of sexual relationships before marriage also worries me for my grandchildren. I pray God guides them in wisdom and helps them remember they are His children.
Praying for your left eye improvement Teresa ❤️ I just caught the update yesterday.
Thank you, Mercy ❤️
Hello She’s. I could use some prayer.
A while back, I felt that God was putting it on my heart to write a letter to a church pastor from a small Church here. It was a long letter and I did my very best with it. I never heard back
Praying, Heather. ❤️
I want to say this as someone who was not chaste and to give encouragement to others. At the end of the podcast, Rachel and Christine talked about how the Lord will redeem us in all things, including the consequences of poor sexual choices and/or the aftermath of sexual violence. They were adamant to remind us that once we turn these things over to God and repent for our personal mistakes, He will redeem us! He does not see us as damaged goods. We are new creations in Him and He will restore what has been taken from us or thrown away at our own hands. Any feelings of shame and worthlessness can be replaced by ones of dignity and value. Remember, sweet sisters, we are loved!
Amen! Me neither Jennifer and I lived in shame for many years. Thankful to the Lord who redeemed me!
Amen!
signs my marriage can still be saved
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Praying, sweet sister! ❤️
But it’s really hard to say to others, pursue chastity, it’s good for you! It’s a discipline!
To encourage others I mean
I feel like this spiritual discipline is the hardest one to encourage friends and family to follow! It’s easy to say, have more quiet time or solitude with the Lord. Pray more, fast mkre, It’s a discipline
1 Peter 1:15 (NLT)
But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.
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“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.”
Becca’s devo reminded me of Zephaniah 3:17-
For the Lord your God is living among you.
He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With his love, he will calm all your fears.
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Argh! That silly post button messed me up again. I just wanted to say that I laughed at the edit. Sigh.
I did too!
Diana Piefer I l too aughed out loud also when I read the edit
EVERYTHING erased! Out of time! Will comment later.
“True holiness enlists our whole self—what we give our minds to will soon be followed by our bodies and our lives.”
Please excuse this long post BUT this is an area that I feel very passionate about: fiction books.
One aspect of chastity we don’t talk about enough as Christians is what we allow into our minds. And one area where I personally had to wrestle with this is fiction books—particularly romance.
Romance publishing has changed significantly in what is considered acceptable or normal when depicting intimacy. Sexually explicit scenes have become increasingly common, sometimes to the point where it can be difficult to pick up a contemporary romance without encountering them.
But at some point, I felt the Holy Spirit convicting me about what I was putting into my mind. It wasn’t about labeling every book or every reader “bad.” It was the realization that, for me, consuming sexually explicit material simply didn’t align with the Christian values I professed or with the kind of interior life I wanted to cultivate.
And when I look at how enormously popular romance has become, particularly among younger women, I think this is an area worthy of prayer rather than judgment. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit gives each of us clarity and discernment about what we consume, what we allow to occupy our minds, and ultimately, what those things are forming within us. Because what we give our minds to matters.
This should have been the focus of the devotional today because you covered it perfectly!
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I stand with you on this, and for me another choice to avoid- inappropriate language- especially taking God’s name in vain and that other most common word “f”. Makes me cringe!
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Thanks for putting this out there, Maria B! Adding my amen to your prayer! ❤
Yes I agree. I have quit reading most fiction books because of that.
“It matters” flat out. We can’t give an inch, it is like a little yeast…ruins the whole batch. Most tv shows and movies also are/should be non-negotiables.
I agree wholeheartedly, Maria B. I had to stop reading contemporary romance novels for the same reason. God convicted me about what was going into my mind. Reminds me of “Be Careful What You See Little Eyes” that we sang as kids. I have started reading only Christian novels or those that specifically state they are clean and wholesome.
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I was just sharing this with a friend yesterday, that sometimes, even if you’re fully surrendered to God in every area, this is often THE AREA the enemy will have the strongest grip on. I love Sharon’s advice and find it wise. Having accountability is #1 to overcome these temptations. I don’t know how I would have gotten through the last 10 years as a single woman in her 30s without other women holding me accountable, being I didn’t always live in purity. Can not stress that enough! We need to live in the light fully, ESPECIALLY in our weaknesses.
Not really related to today’s readings, but I could use some extra prayers today, please. (And thank you.) We had a FaceTime call with our youngest and his fiancé last night. They will be eloping to Scotland in April. I am grieving that I won’t see my youngest and his fiancé get married. We had told him previously, that we would participate (however they wanted us to) or not in a wedding. (Her family dynamics were making a wedding challenging. That’s all I have to say about that!) I was more sad than I thought I would be. Today might be a long day.
Sorry to hear that Adrienne :( praying God give you wisdom, peace, and comfort as you process their decision to elope. May He continue to be a rock and hope to you in your pain.
Thank you. ❤️
I’m sorry Adrienne. Maybe you can participate virtually? Just a thought…
I was thinking the same thing! At least, they could record it to view later with you and your husbad and y’all could celebrate with a mini-reception (just y’all) afterward. ❤
Thank you both. I was trying to reply individually, but it didn’t work out like I thought it would. ❤️❤️
Thank you. ❤️
Praying for you Adrienne, i am so sorry to hear.
Thank you. ❤️
I’m sorry to hear that Adrienne. I can understand how it would be difficult to not be able to attend the wedding of your son. I’m prayed brings you comfort in your hurt.
Thank you. ❤️
Becca Owens, I believe, was tongue in cheek in the editor notes. How ecstatic she was to write about the world’s least awkward subject! Indeed. Sexual relations are decidedly delicate, yet the conversation is “deserving our full acceptance” (Timothy),as “concession & not command” (Paul). After reading I come away, chastened, more and more convinced, that what I do or say in a sexual light has consequences for myself & others. The music I might listen to. The cultural cues I might emulate. The things I might imagine.
“True holiness enlists our whole self.”
Active. Attentive. Discerning. Deliberate.
I also believe in the power & possibility of true confession & resolve & redemption. We might be damaged, but not forever damned. Our God is compassionate.
Thank you, Becca Owen, for your entreaty & encouragement to lead a flourishing life through the pursuit & practice of chastity. As a follower of Jesus.
Chastity in marriage is truly a thing too. For men (and increasingly women), it’s staying away from porn or other sexually explicit content. For women it may be staying out of romance fiction (even “Christian”) or anyrhing else that takes you in your imagination someplace outside your marriage.
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Not something you hear from the pulpit often, but as we stive to be holy, purity of thoughts is part of the package.
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Praying for your requsts.
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Update on my young mama. The rehabilitation facility wants her to go to a skilled nursing facility as she is not able to walk unassisted.
Amen, Kelly! Thanks for the update on young mama. How did the visit with your mom go? Thankful for your safe travel!
Amen Kelly for saying that, solid advice which i never heard spoken on the pulpit. Praying for young mama.
Praying for your young mama.
Hard to not read it “for someone else”
As a wife hurt by betrayal, it would be so easy to not apply this to my own heart and life. But Lord, help me be accountable, be renewed and be like the wife in Peter’s epistle who can awaken the husband by “not saying a word “
Thank you for writing this one!
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I guess it was my mindset yesterday, but I struggled with the Biblical concept of simplicity. Just now I googled the Bible meaning of simplicity. It was very helpful to me! “A sincere, single-minded devotion to God that is free from deceit, double mindedness and hidden motives.” “Living an honest, transparent life where words and actions match. 2 Corinthians 1:12”
I also came across an article from The Daily Grace Co. by Jennie Heideman, July21, 2021 entitled “How to Practice Simplicity”. She boiled it down to on thing: seek first the kingdom of God in everything we do by asking ourselves am I seeking Gods kingdom or my own desires. (my summary of the devotion).
I found all of this very helpful, personally.
Hope I’ve not bored or confused you by referring back to yesterday’s discipline!
Thanks for hearing me and for your prayers!
Love you sweet sisters❤
Not bored, Linda! ☺ Thanks so much for sharing from The Daily Grace Co. I am familiar with their studies, too. ❤
Love this! Thank you!
Hey sweet lady! I read your comment from yesterday very early this morning and went back and left you a comment. I didn’t want you to miss it.
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!
❤️❤️❤️ amen!!! God bless you!
I love this.
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.
I loved what Cane said about imagining your children are “already married” to their future spouse. So every relationship that comes before marriage should be mindful and honoring of that future spouse. Such a good way to think about it! I will use it with my 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!
Wow, ♥️ SEARCHING! This phrase… I need to write in down by hand somewhere…
“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!
God bless you and hold you, precious ♥️ TINA
Well said, sister! ❤
“Even the hardest period of waiting on God is easier than living with the consequences of getting ahead of the Lord’s plan.”
Such wisdom for any circumstance ❤️
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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!❤️
Amen! Now meeting someone who share the same passion in ministry- wow! ❤
“…the freedom to serve the Lord in any and every capacity…”
Great observation ❤️
Praying God blesses you with a kindred soul, Tina. You are a blessing to so many of us each day and I’m so thankful for you.
I hear you, Tina. ❤️ praying you continue enduring through the pain of waiting on Jesus… may you have joy exceedingly!!
Hugs and love!❤
Hugs Tina. You are so strong and so beautiful.