Self Control

What is the most precious gift one can give to another person? What is the most sacred gift one can give to another person?

There may be more than one answer to these questions. The answer that I believe fits both questions the best though is, yourself. Physical and sexual intimacy, if it is kept only within the bonds of marriage, is the most wonderful thing you can share with someone else. Exploring and exploiting physical and sexual pleasures before or outside of marriage, with or without someone else, not only destroys the value, sacredness, and meaning of those feelings and actions, but also destroys your self worth, appreciation for life, and essentially you as a person. By indulging in these powerful thoughts, feelings, and actions you enslave yourself to them. Love and respect for people and the body itself erodes and becomes lust for sensual pleasure. Please use self control and self mastery to resist the temptation to abuse your body, or someone else's, and the sacred power God has given us to create life. As you do this you will gain more appreciation, respect, and love for yourself and for others.