In most religions, there are guidelines for sexual behavior that aim to regulate and control sexual desires and urges. These guidelines are often referred to as "sexual discipline" and they include abstinence from certain sexual acts, prohibitions against same-sex relationships, restrictions on extra-marital affairs, and prescriptions regarding contraception. Although these rules may seem repressive, they have the potential to cultivate patience and endurance among religious believers who practice them.
The first way that sexual discipline can cultivate patience is by teaching individuals to delay gratification. In many cases, practicing sexual discipline requires waiting until marriage before engaging in sexual activities. This can be difficult, especially when one's natural inclination is towards immediate gratification.
It teaches individuals self-control and the ability to resist temptation, which are valuable life skills that can translate into other areas of their lives.
Someone who has learned to wait until marriage to have sex may find themselves better able to resist impulse buying or give up unhealthy habits like smoking. They develop a stronger sense of delayed gratification which helps them to deal with challenging situations more effectively.
Sexual discipline cultivates endurance because it encourages long-term thinking rather than short-term pleasure seeking. When an individual follows the rules of their religion regarding sexuality, they are forced to think about the consequences of their actions over time rather than just enjoying the moment. This means that they become less likely to make decisions based solely on immediate pleasures and more likely to consider the long-term impact of their choices.
Those who follow strict guidelines for sexual behavior will often put off marriage until they find a compatible partner who shares their values, so they must learn to endure periods of loneliness and singleness while waiting for the right person. Similarly, some religions require couples to abstain from sex during certain times of the month when they may be most fertile, which means learning to manage desires without giving in to them.
This emphasis on patience and long-term thinking can help people achieve greater emotional maturity and resilience.
Another way that religious sexual discipline promotes patience is by teaching individuals to accept discomfort and frustration as part of the process. Sexual activity requires patience and perseverance even under ideal circumstances, but following religious guidelines adds additional layers of difficulty that can test one's patience.
Many religions prohibit oral sex and anal sex, which can make intimacy feel stifled and unsatisfying for some couples. Others restrict certain positions or activities altogether, which can lead to feelings of frustration and boredom.
Practicing these restrictions teaches individuals how to cope with disappointment and maintain self-control in difficult situations, ultimately strengthening their ability to deal with challenging experiences.
Religious sexual discipline cultivates patience because it encourages individuals to develop a sense of purpose beyond immediate gratification. When an individual follows rules about sexual behavior, they are forced to consider what it means to live a life of meaning and service rather than just pursuing personal pleasure. This can lead to deeper levels of satisfaction and fulfillment over time, as individuals learn to prioritize higher goals such as family, community, and spiritual growth. It also helps individuals avoid feelings of emptiness and ennui that can come from living solely for themselves, and instead fosters a sense of purpose and connection with others.
While religious sexual discipline may seem repressive at first glance, it actually has the potential to promote patience and endurance among those who practice it. By teaching delayed gratification, long-term thinking, acceptance of discomfort, and a focus on higher goals, it can help individuals become more mature and resilient in their approach to life.