February 27

Why Is Eternal Marriage Important?

Genesis 24–27

Counsel Together

Led by a member of the quorum or class presidency; 10–20 minutes

At the beginning of the meeting, repeat together the Young Women Theme or the Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme. Then lead a discussion about the work of salvation and exaltation using one or more of the questions below or questions of your own (see General Handbook, 10.2, 11.2, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Plan ways to act on what you discuss.

• Live the gospel. What topics has the bishopric discussed in our ward youth council meetings? What can we do as a class or quorum based on those discussions?

• Care for those in need. How can we reach out to people in Christlike ways when we see a need and don’t know what to say?

• Invite all to receive the gospel. What have we found in the gospel of Jesus Christ that brings us joy? How can we share that joy with others?

• Unite families for eternity. What are we doing to find names of our ancestors who need temple ordinances? What can we do to help others find the names of their ancestors?

At the end of the lesson, as appropriate, do the following:

• Testify of the principles taught.

• Remind class or quorum members about the plans and invitations made during the meeting.

Teach the Doctrine

Led by an adult leader or youth; 25–35 minutes

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

When it came time for Isaac to be married, Abraham asked his servant to find a wife for Isaac. Abraham and Isaac wanted to find a wife for Isaac who could make and keep covenants with the Lord and teach them to her children. Rebekah was the faithful woman who entered into the marriage covenant with Isaac. While the scriptures make clear that marriage is of great importance to God, God’s teachings about marriage are being challenged in our day. But His prophets have declared that marriage “is ordained of God” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). It is important for those you teach to understand eternal truths about marriage. Doing so will help them prepare for and testify of this important part of our Heavenly Father’s plan.

How do the youth you teach feel about eternal marriage? How can you help them consider why eternal marriage is central to Heavenly Father’s plan? As you prepare to teach, you could review Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s message “Why Marriage, Why Family” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 50–53). You could also review “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Eternal marriages and families are central to Heavenly Father’s plan.

Learn Together

The youth you teach may have pondered the importance of marriage as they read Genesis 24–27 this week. Invite them to review Genesis 24. Ask them to share verses showing that marriage was important to the people described in this chapter. Invite them to consider why eternal marriage is central to God’s plan. The activities below can help them better understand the importance of marriage.

• Members of your class or quorum may have opportunities to explain why marriage is important to them. Invite them to imagine they have a friend who believes that marriage is outdated and unnecessary. They could write a note to this friend to explain the importance of marriage in Heavenly Father’s plan. Encourage them to include truths they find in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” They could also use scriptures found in “Supporting Resources” or in “Marriage, Marry” in the Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite them to share with the class what they wrote.

• To begin a discussion about the importance of marriage, write on the board Why is eternal marriage important? Give the youth a few minutes to write answers to the question. Then invite them to share their answers. They could look for additional answers in Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s message “Why Marriage, Why Family” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 50–53). They could also watch the video “Why Is Marriage Sacred to Heavenly Father?” from “Face to Face with Elder and Sister Renlund” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite them to share their testimonies about why marriage is important.

• As we accept God’s teachings about marriage and strive to live them, we receive many blessings. But some people—including those who are doing their best to live the gospel—face challenges in establishing happy, eternal marriages. You might ask the youth to talk about some of those challenges. What can we do now to prepare for such challenges? You might also invite them to read the last two sections of Elder Neil L. Andersen’s message “The Eye of Faith” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 34–38). Members of your class or quorum could discuss examples they have seen in their lives or their family histories of people dealing faithfully with challenges like those Elder Andersen mentioned. How can the Savior help all those who face challenges as they seek the blessings of an eternal marriage?

Act in Faith

Encourage class or quorum members to ponder and record what they will do to act on the impressions they received today. If they would like, they could share their ideas. Invite them to think about how acting on their impressions will strengthen their relationships with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Supporting Resources

• Doctrine and Covenants 49:16–17 (Marriage helps fulfill the purpose of the Creation)

• Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4; 132:15–21 (Eternal marriage is required for exaltation)

• “Renaissance of Marriage,” “How Did Elder and Sister Bednar Meet?” from “Face to Face with Elder and Sister Bednar” (videos), ChurchofJesusChrist.org

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

The Savior invited His followers to act in faith and live the truths He taught. How can you invite those you teach to live the truths they are learning?