Family Relationships

                The family is central to Heavenly Father’s plan for the happiness of His children.  The Proclamation on the Family states:  “We … solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.”

                Later the proclamation states:  “The family is ordained of God.  Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.  Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.  Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ” (“The Family– A Proclamation to the World”).

                We can identify and practice principles that will strengthen our families.  We can do this best by developing the skills necessary to strengthen our families.  We must remember that God considers the family to be essential to His plan and do our part to keep our family strong.

                Elder Russell M. Nelson declared:  “Individual progression is fostered in the family, which is `central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.’  The home is to be God’s laboratory of love and service.  There a husband is to love his wife, a wife is to love her husband, and parents and children are to love one another” (“Salvation and Exaltation,” Ensign, May 2008).