Strengthened by Covenants

Are you striving to become a better husband or wife, or preparing to become a husband or wife?

This question jumped out at me as I was reading a talk given by one of my religious leaders, David A. Bednar. It wasn’t the full question, he followed it by asking if we are understanding and applying the basic doctrine and principles of eternal marriage to do this. (You can read the talk here.) One of my favorite doctrines taught within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the principle of being with my husband and family for eternity. We believe we can be with each other for longer than death do you part. Our union and bonds will last past death. We make promises with God, or covenants, in the Temple that bind us together for eternity.

It may be hard to imagine making marriage last for eternity when at times it may seem impossible to make it last through the week. There are days when my husband cannot agree on the simplest of things, let alone the larger things in life. I know I have said it before, but I will say it again, MARRIAGE IS HARD!

However, it is possible to have a marriage full of happiness and excitement. It just takes devotion and hard work. A marriage can be strengthened if you are willing to put the effort toward achieving that goal, especially if you allow God to help.

One strategy we can employ to strengthen our marriage is to realize our union is more than just a contract. Bruce C. Hafen stated that marriage is by nature a covenant. (You can watch or read his talk here.)

What is the difference?

A contractual marriage implies that there are conditions upon your union. You may cancel at any time, allowing you to believe that you can find greater happiness in ending the relationship. When you form a contract, you are working toward obtaining your desires and what is best for you. You are less concerned about the other person.

By contrast, a covenant is a promise to bound together through both the trials and joys of life. You make this commitment without knowing what the future holds, but with determination you decide to face together whatever may happen. Through a covenant marriage a couple sustains and lifts each other, giving and receiving support.

I have a strong belief in making covenants. Within my religion, a covenant is a promise with God. Within the temple walls I will make sacred covenants pertaining to marriage, If you are not ready to go to the temple or you are not a member of my faith, you can still have a covenant marriage.

Decide that you and your spouse is each going to put 100% effort and determination into your marriage. Commit to each other and to God that you are going to stick it out. Resolve to support and lift each other through the trials of life. Serve each other and sacrifice for the betterment of your marriage. You will be amazed at the fortitude your marriage receives as well as how much your love will grow.