How Do We Become ONE in Marriage?

From the beginning, God brought Adam and Eve together- two separate individuals, ideas, opinions, likes and dislikes—and He commanded them to be one. I believe this is a very important principle as we think about what God has ordained marriage to be- the union of husband and wife. The Savior also taught, “Be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine” (D&C 38:27).  When we strive to have a Christ-centered marriage, we follow the commandments and teachings of the Lord more fully and with a heart that longs to be like Him.

Elder Eyring taught in a General Conference address just how two people can become more united and one by focusing on the Savior and the sacrament ordinance in a more meaningful way. He shared how the Savior taught his disciples about uniting with one another by heeding the prophets and turning to God. Elder Eyring said “Those who would believe the truth He {the Savior} taught could accept the ordinances and the covenants offered by His authorized servants. Then, through obedience to those ordinances and covenants, their natures would be changed. The Savior’s Atonement in that way makes it possible for us to be sanctified. We can then live in unity, as we must to have peace in this life and to dwell with the Father and His Son in eternity.” (That We May be One, April 1998)

Another way that we can be more united in marriage is to always have the Spirit with us as our constant companion. This is a reminder taken from our baptismal covenant to keep God’s commandments and the promise that God will send the Spirit to always be with us. The Spirit allows us to understand and be more peaceful, to work together and be unified, and remain in a place where there is less contention and angry feelings. As a married couple strives to make their marriage one that is filled with the Spirit, they are becoming more strengthened in their unity together.

Elder Eyring then shares a quote that really exemplifies to me what becoming one can mean despite being two different people. He said--

“A man and his wife learn to be one by using their similarities to understand each other and their differences to complement each other in serving one another and those around them.” (April, 1998)

I was also thinking about recent family outings (aka hiking) with the kids. This activity hasn't always been enjoyable or easy... but THIS is what higher ground and safety means by staying on the right path!

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