Sunday Lesson: Aug 21st

Chp. 16 from our Howard W. Hunter manual, Marriage - An Eternal Partnership, was our topic of discussion this week in Relief Society. Pres. Hunter was married to Claire Jeffs for 42 years. "Their love deepened as they raised their sons, served in the Church, and faced their challenges with faith." For the last decade of Claire's life Pres. Hunter cared for her through her serious health problems. It was a 'crushing blow' to Pres. Hunter when she died and he lived 7 years alone before marrying for a 2nd time to Inis Stanton. She was a strength to Pres. Hunter and accompanied him on many travels. Elder James E. Faust spoke of the blessing Inis was to Pres. Hunter. He said, "We are grateful beyond expression to you, Inis, for your companionship and your loving and devoted care of him. You brought a sparkle to his eye and joy to him in the crowning years of his life and his ministry."

Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and is intended to be eternal. Pres. Hunter taught, "Life's greatest partnership is in marriage - that relationship which has lasting and eternal significance." "Just as baptism is a commandment of the Lord, so is temple marriage. As baptism is essential to admittance to the Church, so temple marriage is essential to our exaltation in the presence of God. It is part of our destiny. We cannot fulfill our ultimate aims without it. Do not be satisfied with anything else."

When deciding whom to marry, be patient, have faith, and stay worthy of receiving divine assistance. Again Pres. Hunter teaches wisely, "While waiting for promised blessings, one should not mark time, for to fail to move forward is to some degree a retrogression. Be anxiously engaged in good causes, including your own development."

No blessing will be denied to worthy individuals who are not married. "This is the church of Jesus Christ, not the church of marrieds or singles or any other group or individual. The gospel we preach is the gospel of Jesus Christ, which encompasses all the saving ordinances and covenants necessary to save and exalt every individual who is willing to accept Christ and keep the commandments that he and our Father in Heaven have given." Pres. Hunter goes on to say, "No blessing, including that of eternal marriage and an eternal family, will be denied to any worthy individual. While it may take somewhat longer - perhaps even beyond this mortal life - for some to achieve this blessing, it will not be denied . . . "

Successful marriage requires our best efforts to live the principles of the gospel. All of us know that relationships take work. This of course included marriage. "Marriage is a learned behavior. Our conscious effort, not instinct, determines the success. The motivating force stems from kindness, true affection, and consideration for each other's happiness and welfare." Something important to know and remember: "While it is true that worthy couples will obtain exaltation in the celestial kingdom, each man and woman sealed in an eternal relationship must be individually worthy of that blessing."

Husbands and wives should work together to strengthen the bonds of marriage. Pres. Hunter outlines 6 ways we can work on our marriages.

1) Charity and patience with imperfections

2) Oneness of heart

3) Fidenlity in thought, word, and deed

4) Tenderness and respect in intimacy

5) Attentive listening

6) Selflessness