Introduction

The Purpose of This Guide

The marriage covenant offers you the highest possibility for peace and happiness in this life and eternal family life in the world to come. While these blessings are glorious, they require significant effort. Many couples struggle desperately in their marriage relationships. President Gordon B. Hinckley declared: “Perhaps our greatest concern is with families. The family is falling apart all over the world. The old ties that bound together father and mother and children are breaking everywhere. We must face this in our own midst. There are too many broken homes among our own. The love that led to marriage somehow evaporates, and hatred fills its place. Hearts are broken; children weep.”

This guide is a resource for you as you participate in the Strengthening Marriage course developed by LDS Family Services. The purpose of the course is to foster a harmonious and loving relationship between you and your spouse. Sessions are conducted like other Church classes—gospel principles provide the foundation and framework for the sessions. In addition, learning activities and professional insights will help you integrate principles and skills in your life.

Participating in the Course

This guide presents six subjects that can help you strengthen your marriage. The course instructor will choose which subjects to focus on, based on the needs and interests of course participants. Some topics may require more than one session. A typical course will include six to eight sessions.

Read this guide carefully, and complete the learning activities in each session. Put your whole heart into learning the material and developing your skills. You will benefit most from the course as you contribute in the class and apply the doctrines and principles you learn.

Contributing to the Class

You will gain the most meaning from this course as you participate actively. You can participate by preparing for sessions and joining class discussions and skill-building activities. As you participate, you will learn from other class members, and you will help teach them. Do your best to invite the influence of the Holy Ghost. Make sure that all your communications are edifying. Please follow these rules as you participate in the class:

Confidentiality. Personal information shared in the class remains in the class.
Brevity. Your comments should be brief so others can also participate.
Balance. You may speak as often as time allows, as long as you give other class members an equal opportunity.
Patience and kindness. As you learn new skills, be patient and kind to your spouse, yourself, and other class members.
Encouragement. Encourage other participants in the class, and encourage your spouse as you work together to strengthen your marriage.
Forgiveness. Everyone makes mistakes, even after being taught new ways of doing things. Learn to forgive yourself and others.

You are invited to share your experiences in class, but you should not bring up matters that require ecclesiastical or professional assistance. Be careful not to embarrass your spouse or others. Be careful about disclosing highly personal, sensitive information with other class members. If you need individual help or a referral to a counselor at LDS Family Services, consult with your bishop or branch president.

Applying Doctrines and Principles

You will strengthen your marriage as you apply the principles you learn in this course. President Harold B. Lee observed, “We never really know anything of the teachings of the gospel until we have experienced the blessings that come from living each principle.”

The more you practice new skills, the better you will be at applying them when appropriate situations arise. Continually seek to increase your understanding of gospel doctrines and principles about marriage. May the Lord bless you in this righteous endeavor.