The counsel of Alma to his wayward son Corianton is known for its strong language and condemnation of sexual sin. Alma’s words are a reminder of the seriousness of the law of chastity and what happens when we stray from the safety of God’s commandments.
In Alma 39:7, Alma says, “I would to God that ye had not been guilty of so great a crime.”
However, in today’s world, we must also navigate the fine line between understanding the gravity of sexual sin and the debilitating shame that often accompanies it. Overcoming sexual shame is crucial to spiritual and emotional healing as we face feelings similar to that of Corianton.
Understand Your Body & Mind
First, it’s essential to have a proper understanding of our bodies and minds as divine creations. The human body, with its capacity for physical intimacy, is a sacred gift from God. In our quest to overcome sexual shame, it’s vital to recognize that our desires and emotions are not inherently sinful; rather, they are natural parts of our mortal experience. We should strive to have a healthy view of our physical selves—not as something to be ashamed of, but as something to honor and cherish.
We should also educate ourselves about our bodies and minds, understanding our desires and emotions. In many instances, our pull towards physical desires are an indicator that other emotional and mental needs are not being met. Perhaps we face crippling loneliness or struggle to feel connected to others. We may feel stress and are our bodies are craving ways to relax and release.
Rather than shaming ourselves for these natural inclinations, we can learn to manage them with wisdom and self-control, acknowledging their place in the divine plan while striving to keep God’s commandments.
Separate Sex from Sin
One of the critical aspects of overcoming sexual shame is separating the concept of sex from the concept of sin. In Alma’s admonition to Corianton, he was clear that it wasn’t the existence of sexual desire that was wrong; it was the misuse of that desire that led to sin. Understanding this distinction can help us navigate feelings of shame.
Sex, within the context of marriage, is a beautiful and sacred expression of love. But when misused, it can lead to feelings of guilt and worthlessness. We need to learn to see sex as a gift rather than something inherently sinful. By reframing our understanding of sex and recognizing its place in God’s plan, we can begin to heal from past mistakes and build healthier relationships.
The Intimacy of Christ’s Grace
Perhaps the most crucial lesson we can draw from Alma’s counsel to Corianton is the power of Christ’s grace. Even in his stern reprimands, Alma emphasizes the importance of repentance and the possibility of forgiveness. No matter how far we have strayed, the Atonement of Jesus Christ is always available to us.
Christ’s grace is intimate—it reaches into the deepest parts of our hearts and minds, healing wounds we thought could never be healed. Overcoming sexual shame is not just about avoiding sin; it’s about embracing the Savior’s love and allowing His Atonement to cleanse us. Sexual sin often has us fleeing from the presence of the Lord; when we falter in keep the law of chastity, we should do all within our power to immediately turn to Christ and draw close to Him.
When we approach Christ with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, He lifts us up, helping us move beyond our past and into a brighter future.
God’s Love is Unfailing
The story of Corianton serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sexual sin, but it also offers hope for those struggling with sexual shame today. By understanding our bodies and minds as divine gifts, separating sex from sin, and embracing the healing power of Christ’s grace, we can overcome shame and move forward with confidence and peace. The Savior’s Atonement is infinite, and His love is unfailing. No matter where we have been or what we have done, we can find healing and hope in Him.
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
