GEMS-Family: Family Can Be the Source of Our Greatest Joy

“An understanding of God’s great plan of happiness . . . fortifies
our faith in the future. His plan provides answers to ageless questions:
Are all our sympathies and love for each other only temporary–to
be lost in death? No! Can family life endure beyond this period of mortal
probation? Yes! God has revealed the eternal nature of celestial marriage
and the family as the source of our greatest joy.

“Brethren and
sisters, material possessions and honors of the world do not endure. But
your union as wife, husband, and family can. The only duration of family
life that satisfies the loftiest longings of the human soul is forever. No
sacrifice is too great to have the blessings of an eternal marriage. To
qualify, one needs only to deny oneself of ungodliness and honor the
ordinances of the temple. By making and keeping sacred temple covenants, we
evidence our love for God, for our companion, and our real regard for our
posterity–even those yet unborn. Our family is the focus of our
greatest work and joy in this life; so will it be throughout all eternity,
when we can ‘inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, . . . powers,
dominions, . . . exaltation and glory’ (D&C
132:19).”

Topics: eternal families, joy

( Russell M. Nelson, “Set in Order Thy House,” Ensign, Nov. 2001, 71)