How Can the Book of Mormon Help Strengthen My Family?
Great joy comes from family relationships. The stories in the Book of Mormon often show family members in challenging situations and highlight their reactions—both positive and negative. The Book of Mormon teaches that when you choose to follow Jesus, your marriage can be stronger, you can be a better parent, and you can have a happier family.
Marriage brings blessings
Marriage is a part of Godʼs plan. Marriage creates the best possible environment in which to raise children. The Book of Mormon highlights a righteous group of people who “were married, and given in marriage, and were blessed according to the multitude of the promises which the Lord had made unto them” (4 Nephi 1:11).
Teaching children right from wrong
The Bible says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). The Book of Mormon also encourages parents to raise their children in righteousness: “Ye will teach them 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).
Teaching children about Jesus
The Book of Mormon teaches us to focus on Jesus Christ. The prophet Nephi wrote, “We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins” (2 Nephi 25:26). Your children will be blessed when you teach them about Jesus.
Teaching your children to love as Jesus loves
Love is more than a feeling; it is a choice—a choice that is especially important in marriage and family relationships. “Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him [or her]” (Moroni 7:47). Jesusʼs love is called charity, and it lasts forever. Marriages and families are stronger when they are built on this enduring love.
Praying with your family
Prayer is a powerful tool for families. In the Book of Mormon, Jesus taught the importance of prayer when He said, “Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed”(3 Nephi 18:21).
The prophet Alma turned to God in prayer in behalf of his son. Later, his son changed his ways and was forgiven (Alma 36:20). He was born again—sparked in part by his fatherʼs prayers.
Forgiveness in families
Marriage and family relationships can be hard and often require frequent forgiveness. The Book of Mormon teaches us to forgive others: “As often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me. And ye shall also forgive one another your trespasses” (Mosiah 26:30–31). No marriage or family is perfect, but by forgiving each other and following the example of Jesus, you can find greater happiness.