YOUNG PEOPLE ASK/What About Virginity Pledges?

A better approach

Virginity pledge programs have a noble goal. The problem is, they don't necessarily instill the values needed for follow-through. Many who promise to remain virgins "aren't really internalizing the pledge,"  says Dr. Rosenbaum.  "Abstinence has to come from an individual conviction rather than participating in a program."

The Bible encourages such individual conviction, not having a person take a written or oral pledge, but by helping him to "have  [his] powers of discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong."  (Hebrews 5:14) After all, virginity is not just a matter of avoiding disease and pregnancy; it is a way to show honor to the Creator of marriage. -Matthew 5:19; 19:4-6.

The standards set forth in the Bible are for our own good.  (Isaiah 48:17) Indeed, all people-regardless of their age-can develop the strength of character to obey God's command to "flee from sexual immorality."  (1 Corinthians 6:18) When they do marry, they will thus be able to enjoy intimacy fully, without the worries and regrets that are so often the aftermath of premarital sex.

Next time: HELP FOR THE FAMILY/MARRIAGE -When a Friendship Gets Too Close

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