Jenna lay awake on her bed. It was 3:00 a.m., but she hadn’t bothered with changing into pajamas. Nothing about her life was the same, and skipping her bedtime routine fit her mood.

Earlier Justin had picked her up for the youth group sports night. They’d played volleyball and eaten pizza with friends. Then Justin suggested they drive around in his truck.

It wasn’t long until they were snuggled up in the back, looking at the stars. Jenna remembers how things progressed quickly, and before the evening was over, she’d lost her virginity.

Now she’d experienced what her friends at school always talked about. Jenna was no longer the virgin of the group. Guilt overwhelmed her; she’d planned to wait until marriage to have sex.

A Plan for Purity
Jenna isn’t alone. Many Christian girls lose their virginity as teens. Unless you set your standards high and stick to the boundaries you’ve set, it will be easy to move closer to having sex each time you’re with your boyfriend.

God created sex as a way to express love — with your spouse. He planned it to be something special for a husband and wife. Ephesians 5 talks about the relationship shared by spouses. God instructs the husband to love his wife in the same way Christ loved us and gave His life for us. Wow! That’s an unselfish and sacrificial love! As the Bible explains, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh” (Ephesians 5:31).

God’s plan for sex is binding two people together and making them one in heart and body. This bond is powerful and meant only for the one to whom you pledge the rest of your life.

Restored
If you’ve already shared that special part of yourself with someone else, God will forgive you and give you another chance. Confess the sin of premarital sex and pledge to remain pure from this point until marriage. You might have to break off a special relationship or seek new friends to hold you accountable. These steps may be easier said than done, but God has a deep healing power that can mend your broken heart and give you the strength to resist temptation. He desires for you to come to Him just as you are and rely on His strength to overcome. Your purity is worth more than any relationship you might sacrifice it for.

Drawing the Purity Line
• Commit to purity. Even when you experience strong urges, say no to temptation!

• Plug into God. Read your Bible, pray, attend church and your youth group. Surround yourself with mature Christians who can guide you spiritually.

•End the relationship. If your boyfriend won’t honor your decision, then it is time to break up.

• Join the pure crowd. Hang out with friends who have pledged themselves to purity. Keep clear from friends who talk about and encourage sexual activities.

• Avoid tempting situations. Instead of watching a movie with your date, go bowling, skating or attend a sporting event. Also, don’t hang out together in a bedroom or sit in a car and talk once a date is over.

• Set high standards. Find ways to show affection other than physical ways.

• Call a friend. Find a trusted adult or close friend to call when you’re tempted. Make sure it is someone who will give you positive encouragement and advice.

Waiting For True Love
Make a commitment now to yourself, your friends, family and even youth group to wait until marriage to save all of yourself: emotionally, physically and even spiritually for your future husband. Purity is a lifestyle commitment, not just avoiding sex.

To commemorate this special moment, talk to your parents about purchasing a purity ring, pendant or bracelet. Check out these True Love Waits items and more at www.factory79.com.

• Daisy Ring: $29.95; item #1323 (sterling silver; 4.5mm; whole sizes 4-9)

• Heart Ring: $29.95; item #1327 sterling silver; 4.5mm; whole sizes 5-9)

• Key Pendant: $29.95; item #3305 (sterling silver; pendant measures 1.75 inches long and comes with leather cord)

• Small Floating Heart: $24.95; item #2330 (sterling silver; pendant measures 3/4 -inch across and leather cord included)

• Heart Charm Bracelet: $39.95; item #6103 (sterling silver; 7 inches long with toggle closure)