Why is chastity important?

These resources are to help you prepare for the “Learn together” section of the meeting.

• Genesis 39:7–21 (Joseph fled from sexual sin)

• 1 Nephi 10:21 (We must be pure to dwell with God)

• Alma 39:1–13 (Sexual sin is an abomination)

• Moroni 9:9 (Chastity is dear and precious)

• Doctrine and Covenants 46:33; 121:45–46 (The importance of virtue)

• Linda S. Reeves, “Worthy of Our Promised Blessings,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 9–11

• Boyd K. Packer, “The Plan of Happiness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 26–28

• David A. Bednar, “We Believe in Being Chaste,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 41–44

• “Dress and Appearance,” “Sexual Purity,” For the Strength of Youth (2010), 6–8, 35–37

• “Chastity,” True to the Faith (2004), 29–33

• Mormonandgay.ChurchofJesusChrist.org

• “I Choose to Be Pure” (video)

• “True Confidence” (video)

• “Chastity: What Are the Limits?” (video)

• “Face to Face: Why is it important to live the law of chastity?” (video)

How has living the law of chastity blessed you?

What doctrines will best help the young women feel the importance of chastity? Which false teachings are they exposed to that diminish the importance of chastity?

What can the young women do to prepare to learn? For example, they could read a talk, watch a video, or study a scripture related to this doctrine.

Lead a discussion about items such as the following:

• Our class: Who is missing today? What visits do we need to make? Who should we invite to an upcoming activity? Who needs our help and prayers?

• Our responsibilities: What assignments do we need to make? What assignments have we fulfilled? How have we invited others to come unto Christ, and how can we invite others now?

• Our lives: Remind the class of the discussion from the last meeting. What experiences have we had with applying what we learned? What experiences have we had in the past few weeks that strengthened our testimonies of the gospel?

If possible, discuss these items beforehand in a class presidency meeting.

After studying the above resources and following the inspiration of the Spirit, you may select one or more of the activities below to help class members understand the doctrine.

• Divide the young women into three groups, and invite each group to read one of the following resources: the scriptures about chastity suggested in this outline, “Sexual Purity” in For the Strength of Youth, and “Chastity” in True to the Faith. Ask them to look for answers to the question “Why is chastity important to the Lord?” and share what they find. How are the principles in these scriptures and resources different from what the world teaches about chastity? What do the young women learn from these resources that can help them detect the falsehood in the world’s view?

• Invite the young women to watch one of the videos in this outline, looking for possible answers to the question “Why is chastity important?” Ask them to share their thoughts and contrast the views expressed in the video with what the world wants young women to believe. What can the young women do to support each other in their efforts to obey the law of chastity?

• Divide the young women into groups. Give each group one of the sections of President Boyd K. Packer’s talk “The Plan of Happiness,” Elder David A. Bednar’s talk “We Believe in Being Chaste,” or Sister Linda S. Reeves’s talk “Worthy of Our Promised Blessings.” Have each group study their section and answer the question “Why is it important to be sexually pure?” Invite them to share statements or truths that they found meaningful or important. How can they use what they learn to help their friends understand why chastity is important to them?

• Ask the young women to use the “Dress and Appearance” section in For the Strength of Youth to answer questions such as “What are the Lord’s standards concerning modesty?” “Why is it important for you to follow these standards?” and “How does modesty reflect or influence our attitude toward the law of chastity?” Ask them to share their answers and ponder what they can do to follow these standards more fully.

• Ask the young women how they would help a friend who is struggling with same-gender attraction. Invite them to visit mormonandgay.ChurchofJesusChrist.org and look for ideas. Encourage them to write a letter that could help their friend.

• Ask the young women to discuss any feelings or impressions they had during the meeting. What was meaningful to them? Is there something they can do personally or as a class to apply what they have learned?

• Give the young women a few minutes to record what they will do in the coming weeks to act on their impressions. Invite them to share their ideas.

• Remind the young women that they will have the opportunity to share their experiences at the beginning of the next meeting.