We are well aware that the principle of marriage is under attack. Infidelity, money problems, and just giving up too fast are the typical reasons for divorce. Let us beware, and not fall under Satan’s spell of unhappiness. Following are quotes from our prophets and apostles about the importance of maintaining a strong marriage bond.
“There are some men who, in a spirit of arrogance, think they are superior to women. They do not seem to realize that they would not exist but for the mother who gave them birth. When they assert their superiority they demean her.” Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Women in Our Lives,” Ensign, Nov 2004, 82–85
“Marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other human relationship. Yet some married couples fall short of their full potential. They let their romance become rusty, take each other for granted, allow other interests or clouds of neglect to obscure the vision of what their marriage really could be. Marriages would be happier if nurtured more carefully.” Russell M. Nelson, “Nurturing Marriage,” Liahona, May 2006, 36–38
“I strongly urge you and those who advise you to face up to the reality that for most marriage problems, the remedy is not divorce but repentance. Often the cause is not incompatibility but selfishness. The first step is not separation but reformation.” Dallin H. Oaks, “Divorce,” Ensign, May 2007, 70–73
“Today we are aware of great problems in our society. The most obvious are sexual promiscuity, homosexuality, drug abuse, alcoholism, vandalism, pornography, and violence. These grave problems are symptoms of failure in the home—the disregarding of principles and practices established by God in the very beginning. Because some parents have departed from the principles the Lord gave for happiness and success, many families throughout the world are undergoing great stress and trauma. Many parents have been enticed to abandon their responsibilities in the home to seek after an elusive ‘self-fulfillment.’ Some have abdicated parental responsibilities for pursuit of material things, unwilling to postpone personal gratification in the interest of their children’s welfare.” Ezra Taft Benson, “Salvation—A Family Affair,” Ensign, Jul 1992, 2
“In my experience there is another reason for failure of marriage that seems not so obvious but that precedes and laces through all of the others. It is the lack of a constant enrichment in marriage, an absence of that something extra which makes it precious, special, and wonderful, and without which it becomes drudgery or difficult or even dull.” James E. Faust, “Enriching Your Marriage,” Liahona, Apr 2007, 2–6
“I bear testimony that through the instrumentality of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord has restored his church and kingdom on earth for the last time, and that his everlasting gospel is here. This gospel is the plan of salvation, and the crowning principle in the whole plan centers in celestial marriage.” Joseph Fielding Smith, “President Joseph Fielding Smith Speaks to 14,000 Youth at Long Beach, California,” New Era, Jul 1971, 6
“I would admonish you to maintain an eternal perspective. Make certain that the marriage in your future is a temple marriage. There is no scene so sweet, no time so sacred as that very special day of your marriage. Then and there you glimpse celestial joy. Be alert; do not permit temptation to rob you of this blessing.” Thomas S. Monson, “Whom Shall I Marry?,” New Era, Oct 2004, 4
“As men and women, as husbands and wives, and as Church leaders, one of our paramount responsibilities is to help young men and women learn about and prepare for righteous marriage through our personal example.” David A. Bednar, “Marriage Is Essential to His Eternal Plan,” Liahona, Jun 2006, 50–55
“She was my strength and my joy. Because of her, I am a better man, husband, and father. We married, had eight children, and walked together through 65 years of life. As Elisa was my greatest joy, now her passing is my greatest sorrow. In the lonely hours I have spent a great deal of time thinking about eternal things. I have contemplated the comforting doctrines of eternal life. I think of how dark that Friday was when Christ was lifted up on the cross. Each of us will have our own Fridays—those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces. We all will experience those broken times when it seems we can never be put together again. We will all have our Fridays. The despair did not linger because on Sunday, the resurrected Lord burst the bonds of death. But I testify to you in the name of the One who conquered death—Sunday will come. In the darkness of our sorrow, Sunday will come.” Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Sunday Will Come,” Liahona, Nov 2006, 28–30
Can we ever forget Elder Wirthlin’s testimony of the resurrection and the joy at being reunited with his loved one; our joy, with all of our loved ones? That’s when we will see the compelling evidence that eternal marriage is the ultimate reward for our diligence here on earth.
Our leaders have spoken to us much on marriage over the years. Feel free to look up these complete talks, as well as many others, on lds.org.