06.04.T01-RS — Reflections on Feature Stories about Purity and Self-Control
06.04.T01-RS — Reflections on Feature Stories about Purity and Self-Control
Instructions
Reflect on the lessons emerging from the experiences of Joy Nyabongo and her husband, Stephen and Maria, and Ruth and Boaz. Circle the score that best reflects your level of agreement with each statement.
| Reflection Statement | Score (1–5) |
|---|---|
| I appreciate the importance of purity and self-control in building trust within a relationship and marriage. | 1 2 3 4 5 |
| I understand that purity involves thoughts, desires, emotions, conversations and behaviour, not merely physical intimacy. | 1 2 3 4 5 |
| I recognise that self-control is demonstrated through everyday choices and not only during major temptations. | 1 2 3 4 5 |
| I understand the dangers of maintaining a public image that does not match one's private life. | 1 2 3 4 5 |
| I appreciate the importance of emotional responsibility and honesty in relationships. | 1 2 3 4 5 |
| I recognise that godliness should take precedence over personal feelings and desires. | 1 2 3 4 5 |
| I understand the risks associated with emotional bonding that lacks clear commitment and direction. | 1 2 3 4 5 |
| I appreciate the importance of treating the body with honour, dignity and reverence. | 1 2 3 4 5 |
| I recognise the value of consistent integrity in both private and public settings. | 1 2 3 4 5 |
| I understand that purity and self-control are shared responsibilities within a relationship. | 1 2 3 4 5 |
Total Score: ______ / 50
Part A: Lessons from Joy Nyabongo and Her Husband
1. What impressed you most about the decision to stop cohabiting and wait until marriage?
2. What did this experience teach you about trust?
3. What did this experience teach you about purity and self-control?
4. Looking at their marriage today, what benefits appear to have resulted from that decision?
5. Which lesson from their experience would strengthen your own future or current marriage?
Part B: Lessons from Stephen and Maria
6. Which of Stephen's behaviours concerned you most? Why?
7. What warning signs were visible in Stephen's life?
8. How did Stephen's lack of purity and self-control affect Maria and the other women?
9. What does Stephen's double life teach about hidden struggles and private conduct?
10. What warning from Stephen's story should remain with you as you prepare for marriage?
Part C: Lessons from Ruth and Boaz
11. What impressed you most about Boaz's conduct at the threshing floor? Why?
12. What impressed you most about Ruth's conduct at the threshing floor? Why?
13. What does their encounter teach about purity and self-control in vulnerable situations?
14. What does their story teach about placing godliness above personal desires?
15. What does their story teach about honour, restraint and responsibility?
Part D: Recognising Marriage Readiness
16. Which characteristics appeared repeatedly among people who demonstrated purity and self-control?
☐ Integrity
☐ Self-control
☐ Honesty
☐ Emotional responsibility
☐ Godliness
☐ Discipline
☐ Trustworthiness
☐ Respect
☐ Accountability
☐ Other: __________________
17. Which three of these characteristics would you regard as non-negotiable in a prospective marriage partner?
Characteristic 1
Characteristic 2
Characteristic 3
18. Why are these characteristics important to you?
Part E: Becoming Marriage Material
19. Which lesson from this chapter do you most need to apply in your own life?
20. What habit, attitude or behaviour could weaken your purity and self-control if left unchecked?
21. What habit, attitude or behaviour would strengthen your purity and self-control?
22. If someone used the lessons in this chapter to assess your readiness for marriage, what strengths would they identify?
23. What concerns might they identify?
Before I Move On
24. Complete the statement below.
The most important lesson I have learned about purity and self-control is ________________________________________________________.
25. Complete the statement below.
The characteristic I will pay closest attention to when evaluating a prospective marriage partner is ______________________________ because ____________________________________________.
26. Complete the statement below.
The area of purity or self-control that I most need to strengthen is ______________________________ because ____________________________________________.
27. Complete the statement below.
After studying this chapter, I now believe that purity and self-control are essential because ____________________________________________________________.
