Sunday Lesson, June 11th

Nurturing the Eternal Partnership of Marriage


President and Sister Hinckley were wonderful example of being equal and loving partners in their marriage. They each saw the potential that the other had supported and cared for each other. President Hinckley shared some of the experience and wisdom gained through his marriage that can help us strengthen our own marriages or look forward to an eternal partnership in the future.


When a couple first is married, there is a period of time to get used to each other. Remember that this doesn’t mean that there is not love in the relationship or something is wrong with the marriage; it is normal. We need to realize that we should not try to change our spouse, but get used to their differences and learn to appreciate and see their strengths.


When Sister Hinckley passed on in 2004, President Hinckley stated that even through his despair, there was an assurance that, “as surely as there has been a separation, there will be a joyful reuniting.” If we are being Christ-like in our marriages, we too can have this assurance and can prepare for the blessing of eternal life. Temple attendance can strengthen our marriages and families and help us become better marriage partners.


Our teacher shared her experience of being divorced and not knowing when she would remarry. She reminded us that all will have the opportunity for an eternal marriage because God is just and good. No matter what the timing is, God will not withhold His greatest blessings from any that are faithful. We should be sure to include those who are single and not think that being married or single makes a person different.


President Hinckley shared wonderful advice on how to be happy in our marriages. He said, “I have learned that the real essence of happiness in marriage lies … in an anxious concern for the comfort and well-being of one’s companion. Thinking of self alone and of the gratification of personal desires will build neither trust, love, nor happiness.” He also shared that as we are simply kind and concerned for the other partner in our marriage, we will fortify our marriages against divorce. We discussed that we will at times be disappointed in our marriages, but we will also disappoint our spouse at times.
Repentance and forgiveness are central to a happy marriage. Even when our marriage (or not being married) is not according to our plan, we can find comfort that it is part of the Lord’s plan to help us become who He wants and needs us to be.