The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health found that young people who abstain from sex before marriage share eight specific character traits (Jennifer Mesko, "Eight Traits Characterize Teens Who Abstain From Sex," Citzenlink.org, Jan. 13, 2009):

• Being willing to postpone momentary pleasures for long-term goals.
• Ability to stick to a task or a commitment.
• Belief that current behavior can impact the future.
• Future focus.
• Control of impulses.
• Resistance to peer influence.
• Respect for parental values.
• Sense of personal dignity.

These traits are similar to various biblical principles, including characteristics constituting the fruit of God's Holy Spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). God's way of life really works!