Have you ever wondered why Latter-day Saints repeatedly emphasize families and their role in our faith? Nothing is more basic. Families influence our happiness, impact our communities, and affect us even after death. The Family: A Proclamation to the World states that “the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children” and a “husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. ‘Children are an heritage of the Lord’ (Psalm 127:3).” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
The classic Primary song “I Am a Child of God” teaches that everyone on earth is a child of God, you were sent here to live in families, and you can return to live with Him.
I am a child of God,
And he has sent me here,
Has given me an earthly home
With parents kind and dear.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.
The Eternal Nature of Families
The next time your family is gathered, pay attention to the sacred feeling that is present. Feelings of kindness, empathy, and compassion should be the goal. Family bonds are strengthened even further through priesthood power when they are sealed together for time and eternity in a temple. During His earthly ministry, Jesus Christ gave the Apostle Peter the power to “bind on earth” and it would “be bound in heaven” (Matthew 16:19). This power, restored again, is referred to as the sealing power. It is the authority to unite families forever, when exercised by God’s authorized representatives.
The sacred act of sealing families together can only be performed in one of the Lord’s holy temples. President Henry B. Eyring said, “It is through the sealing covenants in the temple that you can receive the assurance of loving family connections that will continue after death and last for eternity” (Liahona, May 2024).
Have you ever wondered what your family relationships were like before you came to earth? How would life be different if you arrived without parents, siblings, or ancestors? Heavenly Father has knowledge beyond our comprehension. His plan enables us to continue in families beyond the grave through sacred ordinances in the holy temples. Families play a key role in helping each other face the challenges of daily life as well as guiding our spiritual progression.
Families as the School of Love and Spiritual Growth
One of the first lessons taught in the Book of Mormon is about love and family connection. Lehi saw in vision the Tree of Life, which represents “the love of God” (see 1 Nephi 11:21–22). The fruit on the tree represents the blessings of Christ’s Atonement. The very moment that Lehi partook of the fruit and it filled his soul “with exceedingly great joy,” he sought to share that joy with his family (see 1 Nephi 8:11-12). As you focus on our own family relationships and connections to ancestors, you can share the “fruit” that Lehi desired to share with his family, with yours.
Families are the perfect setting for teaching and living the gospel of Jesus Christ. “Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). When Christ-centered happiness is at the center of our focus, home and family become the best sources of spirituality and love.
In families, you can learn to practice love, forgiveness, and patience. In the story of the Prodigal Son, the older brother did not want to celebrate his younger brother’s return. In our own families, you will often need to seek forgiveness from each other. President Jeffrey R. Holland explained, “Let people repent. Let people grow. Believe that people can change and improve. (“‘Remember Lot’s Wife’: Faith Is for the Future” [Brigham Young University devotional, Jan. 13, 2009], speeches.byu.edu)
Family prayer is a great way to help bring your family closer to one another. Family prayer is so important that when Jesus Christ visited the Nephites, he commanded them to, “Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed” (3 Nephi 18:21). You will also recognize specific concerns and awareness of each other’s needs during family prayers. You also may want to try taking a moment before praying to remind each other what and who you are praying for (see “Family Prayer isn’t Just for Praying”).
Studying the scriptures, Come, Follow Me lessons, General Conference talks, or sacred music are ways to “feast upon the words of Christ” (2 Nephi 32:3). When you “feast” on these words, you can comfort and guide family members and help each other solve problems. “For behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do” (2 Nephi 32:3).
In this video, João shares a touching story of how his family was strengthened by the premature death of his newborn brother. The death affected his family deeply. With the help and support of local Church leaders, his parents and family were sealed together in the temple. It was a very special moment for all involved. “Many times, we have felt my brother next to us. I have felt his presence. It’s very good to think I have a brother; I can feel it. He’s part of the family and he always was.”
As you strive to embark on your inspiring journey of family history, consider all the families that came before you. Think of the work they did to keep their families safe and protected physically and spiritually throughout the years. Consider the sacrifices they made to preserve records, teach their children, and stay strong in the face of adversity.
While you seek to connect with these family members through temple and family history work, draw on their strength, faith, and courage to help you along the way. Sharing your experiences with family members will bless and inspire them to take part in the work. Elder Quentin L. Cook promised that if you “help those who cannot help themselves, you will be blessed with more closeness and joy in your family” (Ensign, Feb. 2016).
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