Topic

Chastity

What is chastity and why is it so important? The law of chastity is taught firmly within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In essence, the law of chastity is a commandment given from God to abstain from sexual relations outside of marriage. This includes abstinence before marriage and complete fidelity to one’s spouse after marriage. The law of chastity is one of the most important laws God has provided us. God wants us to experience joy in this life, so he gives us the law of chastity to protect us from the negative consequences that can come from breaking it. The consequences of breaking this law are often life-changing and irreversible. God wants to protect us both physically and spiritually, which is why He asks us to wait until after marriage to participate in sexual activity.

In his talk, “Of Souls, Symbols, and Sacraments,” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland reminds us that sex within marriage is meant to help unite couples in every way and symbolize the sacred covenants they made to each other in the temple when they were sealed for time and all eternity (1988). God gives us this commandment to keep us safe, but he also understands that some are victims of sexual assault. Those who are victims are innocent and have committed no sin.

These talks discuss the law of chastity in context with real situations involving real people. While God wants us all to obey this law, He recognizes that others do not always follow it. These talks address topics such as sexual assault and where to find help and healing from it, the blessings of keeping the law of chastity, and what to do to repent if you have made such a mistake. More than anything, each of these talks is full of hope. When we are willing to accept the atonement of Jesus Christ and repent sincerely, we can be forgiven of any sin with the help of the proper priesthood authority.

By Study & By Faith

Benjamin M. Ogles January 30, 2018

Anthony D. Perkins | December 3, 2024

We become God’s peculiar treasure by obeying His voice and keeping His covenants, including those in the temple endowment and marriage.

devotional 2024

Benjamin M. Ogles | January 30, 2018

The doctrines of agency, accountability, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ lay the foundation for understanding the devastating issue of sexual assault.

devotional 2018

President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

M. Russell Ballard | November 14, 2017

Elder Ballard offers timely and loving answers to tough questions about topics such as perfectionism, education, pornography, and the needs of LGBTQ saints.

devotional 2017

President Gordon B. Hinckley, prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Gordon B. Hinckley | September 18, 2007

"We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men." Guide your life by these principles—be true to the faith.

devotional 2007

Merrill J. Bateman - BYU President - and Marilyn S. Bateman

Merrill J. and Marilyn S. Bateman | September 18, 2001

We can navigate a changing world by laying hold on "every good thing:" eternal family, personal purity, and learning by study and faith.

devotional 2001

James E. Faust | November 1, 1998

As hard as it may be at times to avoid the "Devil’s Throat" - the tricky, slippery pitfall of sin - we believe in your integrity, morality, and potential.

devotional 1998

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Jeffrey R. Holland | January 12, 1988

Jeffrey R. Holland discusses the sanctity of chastity and physical intimacy. The power of souls, symbols, and sacraments is gifted from God.

devotional 1988

Ezra Taft Benson - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

Ezra Taft Benson | October 13, 1987

The law of chastity is a principle of eternal significance. Take seriously this counsel to avoid sin, and to use the blessings of repentance when needed.

devotional 1987

F. Enzio Busche | May 28, 1985

As we choose to follow the Savior, and have no confidence in the contrary messages of the world, we will understand our great potential in His eternal plan.

devotional 1985

Bruce C. Hafen | September 28, 1982

Romantic love is pure, sacred, and central to the gospel. It is because of, not in spite of, that fact that we must treat it carefully.

devotional 1982

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ.

Neal A. Maxwell | February 23, 1970

Elder Neal A. Maxwell teaches that chastity and family love are key components to healthy individual, family, and community spiritual ecology.

devotional 1970

Spencer W. Kimball | January 5, 1965

Understanding the difference between love and lust can help us in understanding God's laws about reserving sexual intimacy for marriage.

devotional 1965

Hugh B. Brown | September 30, 1962

Sexual purity is essential to your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Do not trade a moment of pleasure for the joys of family and a pure heart.

devotional 1962

Mark E. Petersen | February 3, 1953

Sex is so sacred that God placed about it one of the greatest safeguards and laws, the law of chastity, that He has ever made for any of His creations.

devotional 1953

Spencer W. Kimball | February 13, 1951