Unit 5 - Happiness in Family Life

For this Unit we will be focusing on the sixth and seventh paragraphs of The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

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. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

Whether your children are grown or still growing, opportunities to teach them truth will never run out. True success comes to parents who don’t let distractions get in the way of living gospel principles and teaching their children to do the same. (3:47)

Readings:

• Selected Statements, “To the Mothers in Zion”:
• Quentin L. Cook, "LDS Women are Incredible!"
• Gordon B. Hinckley, "Women of the Church"
• Ezra Taft Benson, "To the Mothers in Zion"
• James E. Faust, "How Near to the Angels"
• Pres. Ezra Taft Benson, “To the Fathers in Israel”
• Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Priesthood Authority in the Family and in the Church”
• Elder Dallin H.Oaks “Keys and Authority of the Priesthood”
• Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Love and Law”
• Elder David A. Bednar, “More Diligent and Concerned at Home”
• Elder Robert D. Hales, “Strengthening Families: Our Sacred Duty”
• Sister Julie B. Beck, “Mothers Who Know”
• Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Good, Better, Best”

Additional Resources:

• Dieter F. Uchtdorf - Of Things That Matter Most
• Bruce R. McConkie - Mothers in Israel and Daughters of Zion
• Joanne B. Doxey - Strengthening the Family
• Eternal Marriage Student Manual: Women’s Divine Roles and Responsibilities
• Eternal Marriage Student Manual: Men's Divine Roles and Responsibilities
• L. Tom Perry - Fatherhood, an Eternal Calling
• A. Theodore Tuttle - The Role of Fathers
• Presiding Righteously in the Home
• L. Tom Perry - The Importance of Family