Gospel Art Picture Kit
Ephesians 6:1–4; Colossians 3:18–21; Mosiah 4:14–15; D&C 93:40
Ye will teach [your children] to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another. Mosiah 4:15
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The family is central to the plan of happiness. Heavenly Father knows that the best way for us to live on this earth while we are away from Him is as a member of a strong, happy family unit. President David O. McKay said: “I know of no other place where happiness abides more securely than in the home. It is possible to make home a bit of heaven. Indeed, I picture heaven as a continuation of the ideal home” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1964, 5; or Improvement Era, June 1964, 520).
Families are most likely to be happy when they are founded on 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. (See “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102.)
Several scriptures explain what we should do to create strong, Christ-centered homes. Husbands and wives are to love, honor, and support each other. Children are to honor their parents, and parents should teach their children the gospel and set a good example. All members of the family should do their best to live together in harmony and love. (See Ephesians 6:1–4; Colossians 3:18–21; Mosiah 4:14–15; D&C 93:40.)
President Gordon B. Hinckley has also provided a pattern we can follow: “Let parents and children (1) teach and learn goodness together, (2) work together, (3) read good books together, and (4) pray together” (“Four Simple Things to Help Our Families and Our Nations,” Ensign, Sept. 1996, 7).
Summary
The family is the most important unit in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Living together in a family is part of Heavenly Father’s plan. Our Father in Heaven gave us families to love and care for us, to teach us the gospel, and to help us make wise choices. Our families will be stronger and happier if we love and help each other and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.
© 1997 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA
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