From YA Weekly
3 Powerful Habits That Help Me Live the Law of Chastity
The author lives in Formosa, Brazil.
Chastity seemed out of reach. But Jesus Christ has helped me embrace it fully.
Living the law of chastity has not always been easy for me.
When I joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 15, I was one of very few members at my school, so my standards regarding dating were often misunderstood and mocked.
One of my greatest challenges was reconciling my sexual orientation with the law of chastity. I am bisexual, and when I got baptized, I wrestled with how I could live this law, especially when the majority of my friends weren’t interested in living it with me.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve found three powerful things that help me keep my covenants:
1. Prioritizing the Temple
Temple attendance helps me stay committed to the law of chastity. I try to go as often as possible. One challenging week, I entered the celestial room feeling overwhelmed by my mistakes. Seeing my reflection in a mirror, I felt peace and remembered how much the Savior loves me.
As President Russell M. Nelson reminds us: “Nothing will help you more to hold fast to the iron rod than worshipping in the temple as regularly as your circumstances permit. Nothing will protect you more as you encounter the world’s mists of darkness. Nothing will bolster your testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement or help you understand God’s magnificent plan more.”
Just as President Nelson promises, when I make the temple a priority, I am reminded of the sacred covenants I have made with my Heavenly Father. Going to the house of the Lord strengthens my resolve to live His commandments and helps me feel His love.
2. Being Involved at Church
When I first attended church, I often went alone, as I was the only member in my family. At times, I struggled to feel a sense of belonging, which would increase temptations for connection in the wrong places. I realized one way I could combat this was by engaging more deeply with my congregation. As the Lord teaches us in Doctrine and Covenants 58:27, we should be “anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of [our] own free will.”
I started by volunteering to help clean the chapel. I began attending all the ward activities and offering to help wherever I could. Gradually, I built deeper connections with the members of my ward. One family began inviting me to their home evenings, Sunday dinners, and even just to hang out and play games. My family and I have become great friends with them, and it’s been a beautiful experience for all of us.
By immersing myself in my ward, I’ve found opportunities to connect with others who share the same values and standards, including the law of chastity. My ward family has been a great source of support in helping me to stay faithful and strong.
3. Embracing Repentance
Repentance is not something to fear—it’s a blessing, a gift from our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Whenever I reflect on what Jesus Christ did for me, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I remind myself that Jesus Christ’s Atonement covers all my weaknesses, mistakes, and sins and that “it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Nephi 25:23).
As Sister Kristin M. Yee, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, taught: “If you are struggling with a situation you think you should have overcome by now, don’t give up. Be patient with yourself, keep your covenants, repent often, seek the help of your leaders if needed, and go to the house of the Lord as regularly as you can. … He will not abandon His covenant relationship with you.”
Don’t be afraid to speak to your bishop or priesthood leaders about anything weighing heavily on your heart, especially in relation to the law of chastity. They want to help you repent and find healing through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. And don’t forget the power of daily repentance. Though it takes courage, it is always worth it. I’ve felt the Spirit strongly in my life and have been reminded of Christ’s love for me every time I repent.
Living the Law of Chastity Is a Continual Process
Remember that keeping our covenants, including living the law of chastity, is a continual process we experience throughout our lives and not a checklist. Even as you incorporate these three powerful habits, living the law of chastity is an enduring effort.
Whether we face challenges with temptations or feelings of inadequacy, Heavenly Father loves each of us. The law of chastity is a divine law, and following it brings peace, joy, and spiritual strength. I know that through Jesus Christ, we can find the healing, comfort, and love that we need.
I testify that no matter your circumstances, keeping the law of chastity is absolutely worth it!