The Family Proclamation and You
The family proclamation turns 30 this month. See how it can bless your family today.
Illustrations by Irtaxe López de Munáin
Exactly 30 years ago, in September 1995, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles issued “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” declaring that “the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.”
President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, was an Apostle at that time. He has said, “I testify that the proclamation on the family is a statement of eternal truth. … Teach it, live by it, and you will be blessed.”
The family proclamation has blessed families around the world for 30 years—and it will continue to do so.
Tips for Strong, Happy Families
In the family proclamation, prophets and apostles testify that “happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
These include “faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”
Using these teachings can bless your family in amazing ways. For example, you can:
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Encourage family prayer. Prayer definitely helps families become stronger. If prayer is not a habit in your family, encourage them to give it a try. Praying together can bring peace, love, and harmony.
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Show love through words and actions. Tell your family more often that you love them—even if you think they already know. Use kind and encouraging words. This invites the Spirit into your home.
Serving your family is another great way to show love. Consider doing secret favors for your siblings or helping with housework without being asked.
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Spend time together and have fun. The family proclamation mentions “wholesome recreational activities” as a way to help families be strong and happy. You can go on a bike ride through the park, prepare and share meals, take a short hike, or play sports or board games together. The list can go on, but spending time together will remind you that family is what matters most.
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Serve together. Your family can grow closer by serving together. This can be as simple as preparing a favorite meal for someone in need or shoveling snow off a neighbor’s driveway.
The Savior can help resolve misunderstandings and challenges within families through repentance, forgiveness, and faith. As we follow and rely on Jesus Christ, the love and respect we feel in our families grows.
There are many other ways to make families strong and happy and to bring them closer together.
What things can you do?
Truths for Now and Always
No family is perfect. Some face significant challenges. You may look at your family situation and wonder how the family proclamation can bless your family. But it is filled with eternal truths that will bless your family—no matter what.