Lesson: Chapter 36: The Family Can Be Eternal
“Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God. … The family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).
After Heavenly Father brought Adam and Eve together in marriage, He commanded them to have children (see Genesis 1:28). He has revealed that one of the purposes of marriage is to provide mortal bodies for His spirit children. Parents are partners with our Heavenly Father. He wants each of His spirit children to receive a physical body and to experience earth life. When a man and a woman bring children into this world, they help our Heavenly Father carry out His plan.
President David O. McKay said, “With all my heart I believe that the best place to prepare for … eternal life is in the home” (“Blueprint for Family Living,” Improvement Era, Apr. 1963, 252).
President McKay mentions seven things we learn in our homes:
- Self-control
- Sacrifice
- Loyalty
- Value of Work
- Love
- To Share
- Serve One Another
What are some additional things that could be added to the list?
The Eternal Family
Families can be together forever. To enjoy this blessing we must be married in the temple. When people are married outside the temple, the marriage ends when one of the partners dies. When we are married in the temple by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood, we are married for time and eternity. If we keep our covenants with the Lord, our families will be united eternally as husband, wife, and children. Death cannot separate us.
Loving Family Relationships
"Husbands and wives should be thoughtful and kind to each other. They should never do or say anything to hurt each other’s feelings. They should also try to do everything possible to make each other happy."
"As family members we can help each other feel confident by giving encouragement and sincere praise. Each child should feel important. Parents need to show they are interested in what their children do and express love and concern for their children. Children should likewise show their love for their parents. They should be obedient and try to live the kind of life that will bring honor to their parents and to their family name."
What can parents do to encourage their sons and daughters to be good friends with one another?
What can husbands and wives do to help each other be happy?
How to have a successful family
"President Harold B. Lee taught, “The most important of the Lord’s work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own homes” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee [2000], 134)."
- Have family prayer every night and morning (see 3 Nephi 18:21). Pray together as husband and wife.
- Teach children the gospel every week in family home evening.
- Study the scriptures regularly as a family.
- Do things together as a family, such as work projects, outings, and decision making.
- Learn to be kind, patient, long-suffering, and charitable (see Moroni 7:45–48).
- Attend Church meetings regularly (see D&C 59:9–10).
- Follow the counsel of the Lord in D&C 88:119: “Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.”
- Keep a family history, perform temple work together, and receive the sealing ordinances of the temple.
What evidence have you seen that doing the things listed above work?
"The family is the most important unit in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church exists to help families gain eternal blessings and exaltation. The organizations and programs within the Church are designed to strengthen us individually and help us live as families forever."
Family Home Evening Ideas
Ensign Article: Defending the Family in a Troubled World
LDS Living: Home
LDS Living: Family
LDS Living: Strengthening the Family
Sharing Time: My Family
Sharing Time: Together Forever
