Purity

In Christian circles, purity is a big buzz word for single men and women. We’re encouraged to “remain pure until marriage,” which essentially means to wait to have sex until you’re married. However, purity extends far beyond sex. It doesn’t end when marriage begins, and you don’t have just one shot at it. While it’s incredibly important to God, many of us misunderstand the subject of purity.

Because of my childhood abuse, I felt like my purity was stolen from me. I felt ashamed and questioned who would ever want me. But what I originally understood about purity was incorrect. We are not called to a life of virginity. We are called to a life of purity. Where virginity focuses on our actions and is often debated, purity focuses on our heart and there is no debate. Purity is a heart condition.

The heart is mentioned throughout the Bible in reference to our motives and actions. In Psalms, David begs God to create in him a pure heart after he commits adultery with Bathsheba and has her husband killed. In the book of Luke, Jesus cites our hearts as the source of good and evil. He also tells us in Matthew that lusting after someone is committing adultery in our heart. Where society focuses solely on actions, Christ focuses on our hearts.  

Maybe you feel like you have messed up. Maybe you have given away your virginity outside of marriage. Maybe you believe the lie that you are too far gone or that no one will want you because of trauma you’ve experienced. Whatever your situation, purity is still available to you. There is redemption and restoration in the name of Jesus. 

Christ came to set you free from all shame, guilt, and condemnation. With His strength and spirit guiding you, you can choose to live a life of purity despite your past. You can choose to honor God and your future spouse with a life of purity today and far beyond any wedding day. You can draw a line today and say from this day forward: 

I choose to live a life of purity, both sexual and moral. I will not be with or lust after anyone that is not my spouse. My heart, my intent, behind my words and actions will be life-giving and not life-taking. I believe what Jesus did on the cross allows me to be and live blameless. I will guard my heart. I will renew my mind. In Jesus Name. 

This is what it means to live a life of purity, and you can do it.