Discussing Sex with Young People.

OVERVIEW

 They are asking questions and ready; are you? The characteristics of these discussions should be positive, non-judgmental or condemning, and open, sensitive, compassionate with occasional humor.

1.  Teach respect for life and death, for persons and relationships. Respect is the basic concept behind all ethical issues and all rules and discipline. Note the power of disrespect (“dis” or “dissing” in hip hop).

2. Lead young people in a discussion about Relationships: bad and good. How have you and your friends been hurt in bad relationships? What do you want in a good relationship? Then, show them that the characteristics of bad relationships describe what often happens in our sexual affairs; while the sheets on good relationships describe what sex in marriage should be.

3. Discuss their ideals of love and marriage. Ask if their present grades affect their future… or their habits of staying in physical shape. How will our dating habits affect our future marriages?

4. Do some Bible studies on sex:

Ø      topical studies

Ø      character studies: the life of Joseph and King David

Ø      help them develop a theology of sex

5. From a magazine or counseling book, read some case studies of people who have seriously hurt their lives.

6. Have a doctor or nurse come to your group and describe realities of sexually transmitted diseases.

7. Enable young people to make desirable, realistic, and measurable commitments. These can be built into Christian rites of passage programs. Find ways to reinforce these intentions yearly. Teach and practice repentance and healing. Suggest the idea of renewed virginity—if not abused—and help them support their intentions with spiritual power.

“Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.”    Romans 12:21