Friday, November 11, 2016

Marriage and Family

                We can strengthen our families, communities, and nations by studying “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” and by following its precepts. One way to study the proclamation is one paragraph at a time.

                The first paragraph of the proclamation states, “We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.”

                President Henry B. Eyring suggests that we study the proclamation as if we were “little children hearing those words for the first time and believing they are true.” He says that a “little child would feel safe hearing the words `marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God.’ The child would know that the longing to have the love of both a father and a mother, distinct but somehow perfectly complementary, exists because such longing is part of the eternal patter, the pattern of happiness. The child would also feel safer knowing that God will help the mother and father resolve differences and love each other, if only they would ask for His help and try. Prayers of children across the earth would go up to God, pleading for His help for parents and for families.”

                While we study the proclamation as if we were children, let us remember the family is essential to our eternal happiness. We can receive the highest blessings of eternity only as family units.


                As you study the first paragraph of the proclamation, you may want to share what you learn in a family home evening. This site has a wonderful family home evening program all outlined with lesson, music, activity, and refreshments. I hope you will use this outline and strengthen your family, community, and nation by understanding the doctrine that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to Heavenly Father’s plan for the happiness of all His children.

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