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)

Family Home Evening Lesson #18: FOR THE STRENGTH OF YOUTH--SEXUAL PURITY

1. Opening Prayer

2. Sing "True to the Faith" Hymns pg. 254

3. Read the following from "The Family Proclamation" The sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

4. Read and discuss the following from "For the Strength of Youth"

Physical intimacy between husband and wife is beautiful and sacred. It is ordained of God for the creation of children and for the expression of love between husband and wife. God has commanded that sexual intimacy be reserved for marriage.

When you obey God’s commandment to be sexually pure, you prepare yourself to make and keep sacred covenants in the temple. You prepare yourself to build a strong marriage and to bring children into the world as part of a loving family. You protect yourself from the emotional damage that always comes from sharing physical intimacies with someone outside of marriage.

Do not have any sexual relations before marriage, and be completely faithful to your spouse after marriage. Satan may tempt you to rationalize that sexual intimacy before marriage is acceptable when two people are in love. That is not true. In God’s sight, sexual sins are extremely serious because they defile the power God has given us to create life. The prophet Alma taught that sexual sins are more serious than any other sins except murder or denying the Holy Ghost.

Before marriage, do not do anything to arouse the powerful emotions that must be expressed only in marriage. Do not participate in passionate kissing, lie on top of another person, or touch the private, sacred parts of another person’s body, with or without clothing. Do not allow anyone to do that with you. Do not arouse those emotions in your own body.
In cultures where dating or courting is acceptable, always treat your date with respect, never as an object to be used for your lustful desires. Stay in areas of safety where you can easily control your physical feelings. Do not participate in talk or activities that arouse sexual feelings.

Homosexual activity is a serious sin. If you find yourself struggling with same-gender attraction, seek counsel from your parents and bishop. They will help you.

Victims of rape, incest, or other sexual abuse are not guilty of sin. If you have been a victim of any of these crimes, know that you are innocent and that God loves you. Seek your bishop’s counsel immediately so he can help guide you through the process of emotional healing.

If you are tempted to commit sexual transgressions, seek help from your parents, your bishop, and friends you can trust. Pray to the Lord, who will help you resist temptation and overcome inappropriate thoughts and feelings.

If you have committed sexual transgressions, begin the process of repentance now so you can find inner peace and have the full companionship of the Spirit. Seek the Lord’s forgiveness. Talk with your bishop. He will help you obtain the forgiveness available to those who truly repent.

5. Closing Prayer

Additional Resources: Personal Purity (New Era, Feb. 2000)
Chastity (FHE Resource Manual)
The Law of Chastity (Gospel Principles, Chapter 39)