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Marriage


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Marriage

Overview

What is marriage?

In “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles 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.” When a man and woman are married in the temple, their family can be together forever. This is a common goal of Latter-day Saints.

Life’s greatest joys are found in the family. Strong family relationships require effort, but such effort brings great happiness in this life and throughout eternity. 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 if they are true to their covenants. They know that nothing, not even death, can permanently separate them.

The covenant of eternal marriage is necessary for exaltation. The Lord revealed through Joseph Smith: “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” (Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4).

After receiving the sealing ordinance and making sacred covenants in the temple, a couple must continue in faithfulness in order to receive the blessings of eternal marriage and exaltation. The Lord said:

“If a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; … and if [they] abide in my covenant, … it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world” (Doctrine and Covenants 132:19).

Those who are married should consider their union as their most cherished earthly relationship. A spouse is the only person other than the Lord whom we have been commanded to love with all our heart (see Doctrine and Covenants 42:22).

Marriage, in its truest sense, is a partnership of equals, with neither person exercising dominion over the other, but with each encouraging, comforting, and helping the other.

Because marriage is such an important relationship in life, it needs and deserves time over less-important commitments. Couples can strengthen their marriage as they take time to talk together and to listen to one another, to be thoughtful and respectful, and to express tender feelings and affection often.

Marriage partners must be loyal to one another and faithful in their marriage covenants in thought, word, and deed. The Lord has said, “Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:22). The phrase “none else” teaches that no person, activity, or possession should ever take precedence over the marriage relationship.

Married couples should stay away from anything that could lead to unfaithfulness in any way. Pornography, unwholesome fantasies, and flirtations will erode character and strike at the foundation of marriage. (Learn how the gospel protects and heals families from the effects of pornography.)

Couples should work together to manage their finances and cooperate in establishing and following a budget. Wise money management and freedom from debt contribute to peace in the home.

Finally, couples must center their lives in the gospel of Jesus Christ. As couples help one another keep the covenants they have made, attend church and the temple together, study the scriptures together, and kneel together in prayer, God will guide them. Their companionship will sweeten through the years; their love will strengthen. Their appreciation for one another will grow.

Related Topics

Scriptures

Scripture References

Scripture Study Resources

Guide to the Scriptures, “Marriage, Marry”

Messages from Church Leaders

Additional Messages

Videos

“Dating and Marriage Are the Gateway”

“Renaissance of Marriage”

“What Is the Purpose of Family?”

“Families Can Be Together Forever”

“What Is a Temple Wedding Like?”

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Tabernacle Choir logo

Tabernacle Choir Videos

“Love One Another”

Learning Resources

General Resources

“Upholding the Doctrine of Marriage,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org

“Addiction Recovery Program: Spouse and Family Support Guide,” addictionrecovery.ChurchofJesusChrist.org

Church Magazines

Jason S. Carroll, “Delaying Marriage: The Trends and the Consequences,” Ensign, March 2017

Lori Cluff Schade, “Marriage, Technology, and Emotional Infidelity,” Ensign, January 2017

Richard M. Romney, “Choose the Temple,” Ensign or Liahona, July 2010

Irene Eubanks, “Putting My Marriage before My Pride,” Ensign or Liahona, January 2008

Catherine Edwards, “Having Faith in God’s Timeline,” Ensign or Liahona, March 2007

Melissa Howell, “Confidence to Marry,” Ensign or Liahona, February 2006

“Strengthening the Family: A Solemn Responsibility to Love and Care,” Ensign or Liahona, July 2005

“Strengthening the Family: Multiply and Replenish the Earth,” Ensign or Liahona, April 2005

“Falling Out of Love … and Climbing Back In,” Ensign or Liahona, January 2005

“Strengthening the Family: The Family Is Central to the Creator’s Plan,” Ensign or Liahona, December 2004

Brent A. Barlow, “A Rock-Solid Foundation for Marriage,” Ensign or Liahona, June 2003

“Nurturing a Love That Lasts,” Liahona, May 2000

“Presidents of the Church Speak on Temple Marriage,” New Era, June 1971

Study Manuals

In the News

“The Divine Institution of Marriage,” Newsroom

Teachings of Presidents of the Church

Stories

Teaching Resources

Teaching Outlines

Stories and Activities for Teaching Children

“Marriage,” Lesson Helps for Teaching Children

Media

Audio

“A Marriage Worth Saving,” The Latter-day Saints Channel Q&A, episode 65