Chapter 3: Biblical Principles on Purity and Self-Control
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
— Matthew 5:8
Purity begins in the heart—self-control grows by the Spirit.
There was a village built beside a spring that fed every home. The water was once so clear that children could see smooth stones at the bottom and fish flickering like silver in the sunlight.
Upstream, the spring was protected by a small fence and a simple sign: “Guard the source.” For years, the villagers respected it. They knew that what happened at the spring would shape everything downstream.
But one season, people grew careless. A little trash here. A little mud there. “It’s just a small thing,” they said. The spring kept flowing, so no one felt urgency.
Slowly the water changed. Not all at once—just enough that the taste became dull and the stones disappeared beneath cloudiness. Families blamed the buckets, the pipes, the weather—anything except what they were allowing near the source.
One morning, an old gardener walked upstream with a lantern and a shovel. He didn’t accuse anyone. He simply said, “If you want clean water, you must protect the spring. The river can’t stay pure if the source is treated like a trash bin.”
The villagers began clearing what had been thrown in. It was work. It was humbling. But as the spring became clean again, the water downstream began to change. What felt impossible in the homes became possible at the source.
God calls us to live lives of purity and self-control, not to limit our joy but to protect and guide us toward His best for our lives. This chapter explores what it means to pursue purity, how self-control is developed as a fruit of the Spirit, and how these principles can shape our decisions, particularly regarding our bodies and sexuality.
Ask God to highlight one area where you need purity. Write one small step you can take today to align with His will.
Purity is more than just avoiding sin—it’s a condition of the heart that seeks to honor God in every thought, word, and action.
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
— Psalm 51:10
Take a moment to pray and ask God to show you areas in your life where you need greater purity. Write down one step you can take today to align your thoughts and actions with His will.
Self-control is essential for living a life that honors God. Without it, our desires can lead us away from His purpose for us.
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:13
Write down a situation where you’ve struggled with self-control. Reflect on how you can prepare for similar situations in the future using prayer, Scripture, or accountability.
Your mind is a battlefield where spiritual growth and purity are won or lost. Guarding your thoughts is critical to maintaining purity.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure… think about such things.”
— Philippians 4:8
List three things you frequently allow into your mind (TV shows, music, social media, etc.). Evaluate whether they encourage purity or lead you toward temptation.
God provides tools and resources to help us pursue purity in a world full of temptations.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
— Proverbs 27:17
Choose one practical strategy (e.g., setting boundaries, finding an accountability partner) and commit to implementing it this week.
Living a pure life brings spiritual rewards and a deeper relationship with God.
“Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”
— Psalm 119:165
Write a prayer thanking God for the blessings that come with purity. Reflect on how these blessings can motivate you to stay on the path He has set for you.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for calling me to a life of purity and self-control. I know it is not always easy, but I trust in Your strength to guide me. Help me to guard my heart and mind, and to honor You in my thoughts, words, and actions. Teach me to rely on Your Spirit to resist temptation and grow in holiness. Thank You for the blessings that come from living a pure life and for the peace that comes through Your grace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Well done. You’ve taken time to reflect and build a stronger foundation. Download your reflections to keep what God is teaching you.