Family Home Evening Lesson # 59: YOUNG WOMEN VALUES--VIRTUE

1. Opening Prayer

2. Sing "Keep the Commandments" Hymns pg. 303

3. Read Proverbs 31:10  Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

4. Read and discuss the following from "Young Women Personal Progress"

I will prepare to enter the temple and remain pure and worthy. My thoughts and actions will be based on high moral standards.

Then read and discuss the following from Elaine S. Dalton:

Sometimes as we walk life’s paths, we want to loiter in dangerous places, thinking that it is fun and thrilling and that we are in control. Sometimes we think we can live on the edge and still maintain our virtue. But that is a risky place to be. As the Prophet Joseph Smith told us, “Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue” (History of the Church, 5:134–35).

In the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord gives counsel to one of His precious daughters, Emma Smith, to be faithful and to “walk in the paths of virtue before me” (D&C 25:2). The Lord’s advice to Emma Smith is also His advice to all His precious daughters. What are those paths and what is virtue?

Virtue is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. It encompasses chastity and moral purity. Virtue includes modesty—in thought, language, dress, and demeanor. Virtue provides an anchor on the path leading to our Heavenly Father’s presence. The paths of virtue lead to happiness in this life and in the life to come. The paths of virtue lead to strong families. The paths of virtue contain the foundation stones for the blessings of eternity. They lead to the temple. No wonder Joseph Smith said, “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things” (Articles of Faith 1:13).

In another revelation the Lord promises each of us that if we “let virtue garnish [our] thoughts unceasingly,” we will have confidence. He promises that our “confidence [will] wax strong” and “the Holy Ghost will be [our] constant companion” (D&C 121:45–46). Living the standards helps each of us stay on the paths of virtue. Whenever we are worthy of the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, we can always be assured that the daily decisions we each make will be correct even when they are difficult.

5. Closing Prayer

Additional Resources: Cherish Virtue (New Era, March 2009)
Let Virtue Garnish Your Thoughts (Ensign, Nov. 2009)
Sexual Purity (For the Strength of Youth)