Week 3- Marriage is of God

 This week in class I was able to read the Supreme Courts decision on the case of  Obergefell v. HodgesLinks to an external site.
In addition to studying this I also read other addresses by church leaders, particularly one by Russell M. Nelson who is now the president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 
In 2014, Russell M. Nelson said, “God is the Father of all men and women. They are His children. It was He who ordained marriage as the union of a man and a woman. Marriage was not created by human judges or legislators. It was not created by think tanks or by popular vote or by oft-quoted bloggers or by pundits. It was not created by lobbyists. Marriage was created by God!”
I love how clear and direct this quote is, there is no questioning who created marriage after reading this. As followers of Christ, we should stand up for everything that is good and of God. Marriage is of God, and therefore we need to stand up for it! Many people today feel that is not necessary or important, but I know it is! Marriage allows us to create an environment to have an eternal family where children can be nurtured and loved by their mother and father. Marriage allows us to learn and grow and have opportunities that we couldn't otherwise have. It also allows us to make a covenant between the spouse that we love and the Lord. I know that not all marriages are going to be perfect because of the actions of other people, but as we do our part the Lord will make everything right in the end so that we can each have an eternal marriage.
As I’ve thought of ways I can stand up for the institution of marriage as ordained by God I thought of these simple things:
  • Make my marriage the way God wants it to be; this will set an example for others.
  • Teach my future children about marriage and why it’s important through example, sitting down and talking about it with them, and teaching them valuable marriage skills such as serving other members of the family.
  • Respecting family time in other people lives so their marriage and family can be strengthened.
  • Extending support to new young couples as they get married by celebrating with them, sending a card or whatever gift you can that will help them get on their feet.
  • Voting in elections that effect marriage and family.
  • Supporting your local school systems in making the school family friendly.
Russell M. Nelson also said in his talk that as we remain true and faithful in our marriages, the Lord will help protect and bless us. I have seen this in my family growing up as my family has been blessed to keep close relationships as the family has been emphasized. Being close to my siblings and parents has brought me immense joy and learning opportunities that I could not get anywhere else.

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