Marriage

Good afternoon, dear brothers and sisters. I would like to speak to you today about a subject that I know would be of great importance to each one of you. I know you will be very interested to learn about this subject so I carefully prepared this talk not only for the married but as well as for you single sisters and brothers.

My topic is about marriage. In the world today, many people do not respect marriage or family anymore. But the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God, and that family is the center of the eternal plan of our Heavenly Father for us his children.

Our life’s greatest joy is our family. Strong and healthy family relationship requires effort. But that effort will bring happiness in this life and throughout eternity. Even if you do not have a happy family in the past, you can work out a happy, eternal marriage and a loving relationship with your own family.

In our Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness, a man and a woman can be sealed to one another for time and all eternity. Those who are sealed in the temple have the assurance that their relationship will continue forever and not even death can separate them if they are true and faithful to their covenants.

The covenant of eternal marriage is necessary for our exaltation. The Lord revealed that in the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees, and in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood, meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage, and if he does not, he cannot obtain it. He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom, he cannot have an increase.

For you, sisters who are single, prepare yourself carefully for marriage. Remember that there is no substitute for marrying in the temple. Never settle for less. Marry the right person in the right place at the right time. Live worthy now of the kind of person you hope to marry.

Date only those who have high standards and in whose company you can maintain your high standards. Plan your date carefully that you will not be left alone with nothing to do. Stay in areas of safety where you can easily control yourself. Do not participate in conversations or activities that arouse sexual feelings.

Look for a companion of your own faith. Look for someone who you can always honor and respect, someone who will honor you in your life. Before you marry be sure you have found someone to whom you can give your entire heart, your entire love, your entire respect, and your entire loyalty.

Some members of the church will remain single even though they want to marry. If you are this person, be assured that all things will work together for good if you love God. As you remain worthy, you will someday, in this life or the next, be given all the blessings of an eternal family. If you want to marry but have not yet had that opportunity, do not give up hope. Still, do not allow yourself to become too focused on the desire to marry. Instead engage yourself in worthwhile activities. Find ways to serve in your community. Accept and magnify church callings. Keep yourself clean, both physically and spiritually. Continue and learn to develop your personal life.

If you are married, remember that the friendship and love between you and your spouse should be the most important thing in your relationship. Your spouse is the only person, other than the lord, whom you have been commanded to love with all you heart. Remember that marriage is a partnership. Both should encourage, comfort, and help each other.

Because marriage is such an important relationship in life, it needs and deserves time. Take time to talk together and listen to each other. Be thoughtful and respectful. Express tender feelings and affection often. Be determined that nothing will ever come between you and you spouse to disrupt your marriage. Make your marriage a successful one in spite of challenges that may arise. Be loyal to one another. Be faithful in your marriage covenants in thought, in words and in deeds.

Remember the lord said, “Thou shalt love thy wife (husband) with all thy heart, and shall cleave to her (him) and none else. “None else” meaning that no other person, activity or possession shall ever come over your relationship with your spouse. Stay away from anything that could lead you to be unfaithful. Pornography and flirting will destroy your character and will deeply affect your marriage.

Center your lives in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Help one another keep the covenants you have made. Attend church and the temple together. Study the scriptures together. Kneel together in prayers everyday to thank Heavenly Father for one another, and to unite in asking him of his blessings on your lives, your family, your love ones and your righteous desires.

And I know that God will then guide you with peace and joy. Your companionship will sweeten through the years, your love will strengthen. And your appreciation for one another will grow.

I thank God each day of my life for he has given me a very loving and caring wife. In times that I am weak, she gives me strength and encouragement. She is the most wonderful gift that Heavenly Father has given to me. I adore her in many ways. Each night, as we both kneel together in prayers, we thank Heavenly Father for giving us the strength that we needed in order to stand strong in this life so we may be able to fulfill whatever Heavenly Father has wanted us to do in this life. We thank God for giving us two beautiful sons. We thank God for the church and for calling us to serve him.

We do have lots of ups and downs in life, but one thing that binds us together in spite of these challenges is the covenant we both have made together in the temple. That was December 12, 1989 when we vowed before the Lord that we will both love and cherish each other for richer or in poorer, in sickness and in healthy for time and throughout all eternity.May Heavenly Father bless us with lasting peace and happiness with our families and love ones forever. May we find joy in living the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in our lives. May Heavenly Father bless our prayers.