Marriage is a significant part of our lives. It can bring us immense joy or unbearable pain. It holds the promise of unconditional love and companionship for eternity. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or more commonly known as the Mormon Church, eternal marriage is at the forefront of the teachings. It is believed that marriage is not just a union between two individuals but a covenant made between a man, a woman, and God. It is a commitment to love, cherish, and support each other through all of life’s ups and downs, here on Earth and in the afterlife. But what is the object lesson of the eternal marriage?
As with everything in the LDS Church teachings, there is a lesson to be learned. The object of the lesson is that we must all do our part in a family and we must remember to do all the things that keep our family strong and on the path to being together forever. Eternal marriage is not just about finding your perfect match and living happily ever after; it requires work, dedication, and commitment.
Let’s delve deeper into the object lesson of eternal marriage and why it is crucial for any LDS member to understand and apply in their lives.
Family as the Foundation of Eternal Marriage
In the LDS Church, the family is the central unit of society, and it is believed that families can be together forever through the sealing power of the priesthood. This belief is grounded on the church’s declaration that family relationships do not end after death, but they continue in the afterlife.
The first element of the object lesson of eternal marriage is the understanding that families are essential to God’s plan. In the family, we learn the values and principles that shape our lives. It is where we learn about love, respect, kindness, and compassion. It is where we are nurtured, protected, and raised to become productive and contributing members of society.
In an eternal marriage, the husband and wife serve as the foundation of the family. They are responsible for establishing a home where principles of the gospel are taught, and where virtues are lived. It is their responsibility to build a family culture that reflects their faith and values. This culture includes things like praying together, studying scriptures, and attending church meetings and activities, all of which help create a unified family unit.
The Importance of Individual Roles
Another essential element of the object lesson of eternal marriage is the importance of individual roles in the family. In the LDS Church, men and women are seen as equals but have different roles and responsibilities. Each has their unique attributes and skills required to build a strong family.
Men are responsible for providing for their families, protecting their homes, and giving priesthood service. Women, on the other hand, are responsible for nurturing their children, creating a home environment that fosters love and unity, and supporting their husbands in their responsibilities.
It is important to note that these roles are not exclusive. There is no such thing as a cookie-cutter family in the LDS Church. Every family is different and unique, and so are the roles of its members. The point is to understand and respect each other’s roles, appreciate the complementary strengths that each brings to the family, and work together to build a stable and enduring family unit.
Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution
Effective communication and conflict resolution are crucial skills for any successful marriage, especially in an eternal marriage. It is essential to be able to communicate your needs, feelings, and concerns openly and honestly, without fear of judgment or rejection. It is also crucial to seek to understand your spouse’s perspective and to show empathy towards their thoughts and feelings.
Conflict is a natural part of any relationship, but it’s how you handle it that can make all the difference. In eternal marriage, it is important to seek resolution of conflict rather than to be right. The focus should be on finding solutions that work for both parties and maintain unity and love in the relationship.
The Power of Forgiveness and Repentance
Forgiveness and repentance are two critical principles in any LDS member’s life. In eternal marriage, it is crucial to implement these principles continuously. Everyone makes mistakes, whether it’s intentional or not. But it’s how we respond to our mistakes that matter.
Forgiveness is an act of love. It is the decision to let go of negative feelings towards your spouse and to move forward with an open heart. Repentance is the process of acknowledging your mistakes and taking steps to improve yourself. It is the willingness to change and become a better version of yourself.
In an eternal marriage, forgiveness and repentance play a crucial role in maintaining love and unity. They keep the relationship strong by preventing grudges, hurt, and resentment from building up. Instead, they foster an environment of growth, improvement, and understanding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the object lesson of eternal marriage is that it takes work, dedication, and commitment to create and maintain a strong and enduring family unit. It requires understanding the importance of family as the foundation of the marriage, recognizing the importance of individual roles, having effective communication and conflict resolution skills, and utilizing the principles of forgiveness and repentance.
An eternal marriage is not just a marriage that lasts forever; it is a covenant made between two individuals and God, with the promise of eternal blessings and joy. When couples understand and apply the object lesson of eternal marriage, they are better equipped to create a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life together.
FAQ
What are the 3 reasons God established marriage?
Marriage has been a vital part of human society since the beginning of time. It is a sacred covenant between two individuals who choose to commit themselves to each other for the rest of their lives. However, marriage was not just a human invention, but it was established by God Himself. In the Bible, God created the first marriage, between Adam and Eve, and it is evident that God has a specific plan and purpose for marriage. Here are the three reasons why God established marriage:
1. Companionship
The first reason why God established marriage was for companionship. In the book of Genesis, God said, “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18). From this scripture, it is clear that God recognized the importance of relationships and human companionship. He saw that Adam needed someone to share his life with, someone to love, and someone to support him. Therefore, God created Eve to be a companion and helper to Adam.
The companionship that comes from marriage is unique and unparalleled. It provides a level of intimacy and emotional connection that cannot be replicated by any other relationship. When two people get married, they become one flesh, and they commit to sharing their lives together. They become each other’s support system, confidante, and best friend.
2. Procreation
The second reason why God established marriage was for procreation. In Genesis 1:28, God blessed Adam and Eve and said, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.” God created marriage as the means to procreate and fulfill His command to multiply and fill the earth. Marriage provides the best environment for raising children. Children need a stable and committed relationship between their parents. A healthy marriage provides the stability, love, and structure that children need for proper growth and development.
3. Redemption
The third reason why God established marriage was for redemption. Marriage is an illustration of the relationship between Christ and His Church. Ephesians 5:25-27 says, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy…so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” In other words, marriage is a reflection of the love and sacrifice that Christ made for His Church. This means that through our marriage, we can experience and express the love and grace of God to our spouse. Marriage can be a means of sanctification, where we learn to love sacrificially and grow in our relationship with God.
God designed marriage to fulfill three primary purposes: companionship, procreation, and redemption. These three purposes are still relevant today and are essential for a healthy society. Marriage provides a level of intimacy and emotional connection that cannot be replicated by any other relationship. It is the means for procreation, and it provides the best environment for raising children. Lastly, marriage is an illustration of Christ’s love for His Church and can be a means of sanctification and growth in our relationship with God.
What is the everlasting covenant of marriage?
The everlasting covenant of marriage is an essential doctrine in many religions. According to the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the covenant of marriage can be an eternal covenant between a man and a woman. This doctrine is based on the belief that marriage is ordained of God and that it is a necessary step in the process of eternal progression.
The Book of Mormon states that marriage between a man and a woman is an institution ordained of the Lord and should be entered into with a covenant to keep God’s commandments. The covenant of marriage is more than just a legal contract or a social arrangement. It is a sacred commitment made between a husband and wife that requires them to love, honor, and respect each other and to remain faithful to each other throughout their lives.
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the covenant of marriage is not just a commitment made between a husband and wife. It is a covenant made with God and is considered to be one of the most sacred covenants that a person can enter into. The covenant of marriage is entered into through a temple sealing ceremony, which is performed by one who holds the priesthood authority to seal on earth and in heaven.
Doctrine and Covenants 132:19 makes it clear that eternal life is promised to a monogamous couple who are sealed by the authority of the priesthood and who abide in the covenant. This means that any man and woman who are sealed in this way and who abide within the covenant will be exalted. The covenant of marriage is seen as an essential step in obtaining eternal life and living with God in the highest kingdom of heaven.
The everlasting covenant of marriage is a sacred and eternal commitment made between a husband and wife and is viewed as a necessary step in the process of eternal progression. The doctrine of eternal marriage is a central belief in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is based on the belief that families can be together forever. The covenant of marriage is a powerful reminder of the importance of love, commitment, and faith in God and is seen as a source of strength and stability in society.
