Purity

Purity is living a life free from immorality, which is unlawful or improper sexual relations. God commands us to live pure lives. Like the other virtures, purity can always be attained by those who desire it. "Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body" (1 Cor 6:18). "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints" (Eph. 5:3).

Jesus commanded purity of thought when he said, "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matthew 5:27-28).

Purity makes us like God. Purity is associated with holiness. Holiness is something that God demands of us. We are called to be conformed to God's image and to thus be pure in thought and deed. God never requires from a person what he is incapable of achieving. Since He calls us all to embrace purity, there is no excuse for not living it out.

When we meditate upon the Sorrowful Scourging at the Pillar, purity is the virtue we beg God for. Let us always pray that we live pure lives.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching