Lesson – 7

Sexual Purity

  •                                  Our body is the temple of God (1 Cor 6:19). Hence it is holy. We have the responsibility to keep up its dignity and purity. St. Paul says “Do you notknow that you are God’s temple and that God’s spirit dwells in you? If anyonedestroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple” (1 Cor. 3:16-17).

    The Meaning and Purpose of Sexuality

     

                                  God created man male and female (Gen. 1:27). God who is loveHimself created man with the ability to love and be loved. God gave them thegift of sexuality to experience this love in its fullness and to give birth to children.

                                   The basis of sexuality is to be either male or female God has givenhuman beings the ability to attract each other to share love and to give birth tochildren. He created man with the organs and reproductive capacity necessary for it.

     

    Sexual Purity

     

                                   Sexual purity is in using the God-given sexual abilities in a mature way .He expects us to maintain sexual purity in thoughts, words and deeds. Boththe married and unmarried are obliged to keep sexual purity.  The marriedpeople remain faithful to their life partner and thus keep sexual purity. Theconsecrated persons keep sexual purity by their celibate life, by committingthemselves to God and the people of God, with an undivided heart. Unmarried people practice sexual purity by living according to the moral principles.

                                All sexual relations outside marriage are sin against sexual purity. Thesixth commandment: “You shall not commit adultery” forbids this, becausesuch evils are against the plan of God for the survival of humanity. The purposeof the sixth commandment is to protect the sanctity of persons and family. St. Paul speaks of the necessity of keeping chastity  “ Shun fornication! Every sinthat a person commits is outside the body; but the fornicator sins against thebody itself. or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy spiritwithin you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body” (1 Cor 6:18-20).

                Sins Against Sexual Purity

     

                All who received baptism are called to holiness. A Christian has wornChrist, the model of all holiness (Gal. 3:27). A Christian is bound to lead a holy life according to his state of life. Evils like masturbation, homosexual acts,adultery, fornication, rape etc. destroy this purity. Sexual purity is a treasure tobe safeguarded with great care. We have to consciously avoid sinfulsituations 

    The following things will help us to keep purity.

     

    Avoid friends who engage in obscene talk and actions.

    - Avoid obscene publications and pictures.
    - Keep away from watching T.V. channels, films, websites
    which are not in keeping with sexual purity.
    - Practise self-control in conversation, dressing and
    entertainment.
    - Read the Bible, lives of saints and other good books.
    - Seek the protection and intercession of Mother Mary.
    - Get the advice of mature persons
     
                              Each man is created in God's own image and likeness. He/She is not asexual object to be used, but a person to be respected. When we are able tolook at our own body and of others with the eyes of God, with respect, we willlive in sexual purity.
     

     

    Let us Pray

     

    Our loving Jesus, bless us, who are weak human beings to
    live in purity. Teach us to see others as children of God and
    behave towards them respectfully
     
     

    Let us Read and Narrate.

     

    1 Cor. 6:12-20.
     

    Word of God for our Guidance

     

    “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and
    that God’s spirit dwells in you?” (1 Cor. 3:16).
     

    Let us Do

     

    Discuss the life history of St. Maria Goretti.
     
    .

    My Resolution

     

    I will be careful to keep sexual purity.

    Find out Answers

    What does St. Paul teach about sexual purity?

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    What is the basis of sexuality?

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    What is sexual purity?

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    What are the sins against sexual purity?

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    What are the things that help us to live in sexual purity?

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