At the close of this semester

At the close of this semester, I can think of no better topic to discuss than that of the guiding principles we referred back to time and time again throughout these weeks. The principles are: 1) Equal Partnership, 2) Cleaving, and 3) the Divine Triangle.

First, I’ll talk about equal partnership. Marriage involves two people. Through God’s plan, those two people share in a companionship—an equal companionship. As directed through the Family Proclamation, given by Church authorities, and also through other direction given by General Authorities through the spoken word, we know that the husband’s responsibility is to provide, preside, and to protect. The wife’s responsibility lies in nurturing the family. These responsibilities are so different, yet all vital in raising a successful household under the Lord’s plan. Together, a man and wife can care for their family and provide a home full of love and one that is actively concerned with the family and with keeping the Spirit in the atmosphere.

Secondly, cleaving to one another as husband and wife has brought many great principles into play. Husband and wife should rely on one another and should turn to each other in every incident. In addition, by cleaving to one another, a married couple can separate from the in-laws and from their families of origin to build a strong connection and a strong reliance one each other. Newlyweds specifically should completely avoid turning to a parent to vent or to complain whatsoever about their spouse. This will never turn out good. It is pretty guaranteed that husband and wife will make up and the parent will continue to feel bitterness against the spouse and feel protective of their son or daughter. The principle is that man and woman build a strong reliance and a strong bond one with another and become empowered emotionally and spiritually.

Lastly, the divine triangle plays a huge role in a marriage filled with guidance from the Savior, Jesus Christ. Everything you do righteously to become closer to your spouse will innately bring you closer to our Heavenly Father. As you become closer to Him, you will better know how to grow closer to your spouse, and so the cycle continues. A righteous couple can bring each other closer to our Father in Heaven than either could do on their own. This is the beauty of the plan. The Lord intended us to unite and begin families as a husband and wife and through doing so, build a family based on His teachings.

This class has brought me closer to the Lord and has brought me closer to the person I want to be and the Lord would have me be going into an eternal relationship. I am so grateful for this.