Becoming One in Marriage

Becoming One in Marriage

“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24).

Put Your Spouse First

Hug your spouse for at least 30 seconds each day. Prioritize them.

Invest in Your Marriage

Dates: Go often. Have fun together! Take getaways to reconnect more deeply

Counseling: What is your marriage worth to you?

Go to bed at the same time: pray together, talk, be together

Go to the temple: There is power in the temple that you can take advantage of in your marriage

Consider Your Own Heart

Alma 5 – Evaluate yourself: Are you defensive? Always have to be right? Refuse to forgive? In control of your temper?

“The voice of heaven is a still small voice; likewise, the voice of domestic peace is a quiet voice. There is need for a vast amount of discipline in marriage, not of one’s companion, but of one’s self.” – President Gordon B. Hinckley

Talk (and Listen)

Finances - Set expectations about expenditures, be aligned. Have a budget.

Work - Where? Both spouses or just one?

Intimacy - Are you talking enough to meet each others needs? Doesn’t work without communication.

Internet safety/Pornography - Have a plan! Where will computers be? How will we share passwords?

Testimony - Bear spontaneous testimony at home, share personal feelings with our spouse

Temptations - Your spouse is your helpmeet, and you are theirs to avoid temptation! This can draw you closer together.

Trial - Challenges are difficult, but we can strengthen each other during these times.

Use keywords to prompt a need for a discussion: “I miss you” or “I’m not feeling close to you right now”

Give 100%

Marriage is not a 50/50 split of effort. A successful marriage requires 100% from each partner, expecting nothing in return. Find out what makes your partner feel loved, then DO it.

Keep the Faith (in God and in Your Marriage)

Your best chances for greatest happiness are when both spouses are living the gospel. Have faith in the promises you’ve made to God and each other. Draw on the blessings promised in your covenants.

“whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever.” (Eccl. 3:14)

“Whatever Jesus lays his hands upon lives. If Jesus lays his hands upon a marriage, it lives. If he is allowed to lay his hands on the family, it lives.” – President Howard W. Hunter