Why Is Marriage Important?
I was struggling with the concept of marriage.
I realized even though I had been taught marriage is important my whole life, I didn’t really know if that was true for me.
I kept thinking about how hard it seems.
How it’s nearly impossible for me to find a boyfriend, much less someone I want to be with forever.
And how not many people are getting married these days.
So why should I?
These were my thoughts.
But instead of dwindling in doubt, I decided to turn to God for help.
The answer didn’t come right away. But it came.
One answer in specific came when I was at the temple, several days later.
I was participating in a sealing ceremony (see below post for explanation).
After the sealer finished his prayer, he looked at the couple sitting at the altar and said,
“I promise you, it gets better.”
They smiled at him, unsure what to respond. He continued,
“Not that it’s bad right now. But I remember when I first married my wife 47 years ago, I was dumb and I didn’t know what I was doing.
I want you to know the changes I’ve experienced are indescribable. My ability to love has increased exponentially. All because of marriage. I am not the same person I was.”
My ability to love has increased exponentially.
Wow.
As soon as he said it, I was struck in the heart.
That was my answer.
That’s why we need to get married.
That’s why marriage is important.
It’s the best way to teach us how to love like Jesus does.
Since I was sixteen I’ve had one life goal. To increase love in the world.
I’ve always known God put me on earth to love others and help them come closer to Jesus Christ.
What better way to learn how to love as perfectly and deeply as He loves than by committing to try to love one person like that for all eternity?
Just think, God cleaves to us.
He is committed to us.
Forever.
He is asking we do the same to Him.
And to our spouse.
If He can be committed to billions of children, we can at least commit to two.
Right?
God's plan is for men and women to get married and have children.
When we marry and cultivate a loving marriage and family, we are becoming more like Him.
Which is why we were put on earth. To learn, grow and become like Him.
Of course, even though I had this revelatory experience, I’m still not married.
I know it's a possibility I might not get married in this life.
I understand there are circumstances beyond control that sometimes prevent that from happening.
I’m not immune to them.
No one is.
But God promises if we are faithful and don't marry in this life, we will have the opportunity to be married and have families in the next life.
No matter what we are currently experiencing, there are ways for us to find Him, follow Him and feel true peace and lasting joy.
No matter what stage of life, we should strive for strong, happy marriages.
God will guide you to know for yourself the importance of marriage as a part of His plan for us.
He will let you know what you can do to obtain a happy marriage.
I hope you take time to ask Him.
He will answer, just like He answered me.
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*What is a sealing?
A “sealing” is a marriage ceremony couples and families experience to be sealed together by the power of God for time and eternity in an LDS temple.
In the temple, we have the opportunity to volunteer to stand in place for those who have passed on so they can be sealed to their spouses and children. Which is what I was participating in during the story.
A sealing takes place in a dedicated room in the temple.
A sealer is a man called by God to conduct the ceremony.
He recites a beautiful prayer about the divine roles of husbands and wives.
When a child is being sealed to his parents, he blesses the family with blessings and the power to be together forever, if they choose to follow God’s commandments.
During a sealing session, there are about 5 - 10 other attendees who are volunteering their time to stand in place for those who have passed on.
If you aren’t participating in the ceremony at hand, you sit in chairs around surrounding the altar.
It is a very sacred and special experience. God wants all of His children to be sealed so they can be with their families forever!