Marriage and Love

Cornerstone Collections:

Jesus Christ, Our Savior and Redeemer | Joseph Smith the Prophet | Marriage and Love | Overcoming Adversity

Jesus Christ, Our Savior and Redeemer Joseph Smith the Prophet Marriage and Love Overcoming Adversity

“The Family: A Proclamation to the World” from The Church of Jesus Christ beautifully teaches about marriage and love. It states that “marriage between man and woman is essential to [God’s] eternal plan.” This teaching about marriage is core to the doctrine of the Church. It even traces back to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, where God commanded them to remain together.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ believe that families can be together forever, not just on earth. Being together forever is possible when a husband and wife are married and sealed together for time and eternity. Sealing happens in sacred temples and puts an end to “till death do us part.” Marriage and love are some of the most significant sources of joy and happiness in this life, and working through trials can significantly help couples grow in charity and love. Church president Russell M. Nelson has said, “There is great power in a strong partnership. True partners can achieve more than the sum of each acting alone” (“Disciples of Jesus Christ—Defenders of Marriage,” August 14, 2014).

When dating, remember that a healthy relationship is an equal partnership between two people willing to sacrifice for each other. Real love is more than mutual attraction; love that forms a lasting relationship needs a well-established foundation. We can build a good foundation through respect, forgiveness, and hard work. Remember President Boyd K. Packer’s advice in your search for marriage and love: avoid temptation and feelings of pride. Instead, “seek the pure, eternal love that God has in store for [us]” (“Eternal Love,” November 3, 1963).

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Couple on a date looking lovingly at each other.

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Talk of the Month

Marlin Jensen teaches us how to better love using the Spirit as our guide.

Devotional

“Loving with the Spirit and with the Understanding”

Marlin K. Jensen MARCH 28, 1993

A single red rose placed upon scattered book pages.

Sometimes patience with a significant other can run thin. Whether you’ve gotten into an argument or you just don’t see why your partner can’t put their dishes in the sink, you may find yourself asking, “How am I supposed to love this person unconditionally?” To answer this, we need not look further than the perfect example of unconditional love: Heavenly Father. Despite all our weaknesses and shortcomings, God loves us no matter what. When we love others unconditionally, we do just that—we love them no matter what. While this doesn’t mean you should let your partner’s erroneous actions go unchecked, it does mean that you should recognize the eternal potential in your partner. Try to see them as God sees them—as a being capable of repentance and growth. In doing so, you will find that your love for them and patience with them will increase.

FEATURED TALKS ON UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

Gordon B. Hinckley addresses the student body

Gordon B. Hinckley February 14, 1978

Photo of a young adult man kissing his girlfriend's cheek

Marlin K. Jensen March 28, 1993

Silhouette of a couple linking pinky fingers.

Jason S. Carroll April 2, 2019

A grandmother cooing over her newborn granddaughter.

Marleen Williams May 4, 2004

Sun shining through a forest of tall pine trees.

Angel Abrea June 15, 1999

A bride and groom embracing on their wedding day, excited their new life together.

Deciding to marry is one of the biggest commitments you will ever make, so how can you know if the person you are dating is the “right” one for you? As Bruce A. Chadwick explained, “To most of us Heavenly Father says, ‘There are thousands . . . who are worthy to enter my house and covenant to be your eternal mate. You pick one you like who is worthy, and I will give you my blessing’ ” (“Hanging Out, Hooking Up, and Celestial Marriage,” May 7, 2002).

If you both are committed to each other and to living according to the gospel of Jesus Christ, then go to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to help you understand His will. He will send the Holy Ghost to help you feel peace and assurance about whether the person you are dating will be a good marriage partner for you, and you for them.

FEATURED TALKS ON MARRIAGE AND DATING

Two loving Mongolian parents doting on their baby girl.

Merrill J. Bateman January 6, 1998

A husband and wife smiling together in a field of flowers.

Dallin H. Oaks November 4, 2007

Closeup view of the Salt Lake City Temple "Holiness to the Lord" plaque

Mark E. Petersen January 3, 1962

A couple enjoying ice cream cones together

Bruce A. Chadwick May 7, 2002

A couple on their wedding day at the temple

Thomas B. Holman August 1, 2000

Silhouette of a man and woman under a starry sky, standing apart from each other.

All couples face challenges in love and marriage. Contention can spout from innocent differences in opinion or from situations of greater weight, such as financial problems. Whatever the cause, husbands and wives can work together to overcome any challenge when they remember that their marriage is a sacred covenant and responsibility.

Ultimately you have the power to choose how you will react when things aren’t going well in your marriage. Will you respond to your spouse with anger, frustration, and bitterness? Or will you react with patience, love, and humility? As President Boyd K. Packer said, “An eternal marriage is worth every effort it requires” (“Eternal Marriage,” April 14, 1970 ). So don’t give up. As you pray for guidance, the Lord will bless you with an increase of love for your spouse and the strength to overcome your trials.

FEATURED TALKS ON LOVING YOUR SPOUSE

Richard B. Miller January 19, 2010

Richard G. Scott September 12, 2010

Jeffrey and Patricia Holland at the pulpit, addressing the student body

Jeffrey R. and Patricia T. Holland January 15, 1985

Elray L. Christiansen February 4, 1953

Painting of a couple on their wedding day on the temple grounds, with the temple in the background

Bruce C. Hafen January 31, 2014

Photo of a park and a park bench at night with romantic bistro lights strung up.

While a quick scroll through Instagram might convince you otherwise, there is no such thing as a perfect relationship. There are, however, a few characteristics that are common in healthy relationships. Some of those characteristics are trust, good communication, compromise, and honesty. Above all else, a relationship is healthiest when partners keep their covenants with each other and God. There is no better way for two people to draw closer together in love and unity than for both to keep the commandments, serve others, and strengthen their individual testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If you find that your relationship is unsteady or failing, remember this quote from Elder Holland: “You want capability, safety, and security in dating and romance, in married life and eternity? Be a true disciple of Jesus” (“How Do I Love Thee?” February 15, 2000).