The Love Triangle- A Spiritual Perspective

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are blessed to be taught by those who are called as prophets, apostles, and general authorities. They are directed by the Lord and we are promised that they will never lead us astray. Bruce C. Hafen, of the seventy, shares insightful council with regard to the marriage covenant we make in the temple. He contrasted this with the contract that one makes when they are married civilly. This is yet another example of the difference between a worldly view and a Godly perspective. Brother Hafen describes a contract companionship as one in which each partner gives 50%. However, in a covenant companionship, each spouse gives 100%.  As I pondered this idea, I contemplated how I can better be one that gives 100%. It really is a win-win situation. I can’t think of a drawback of being “all in.” In my experience, of being cognizant of the words I use, and the efforts to serve, love, and honor my spouse, I usually find it comes back to bless me tenfold.

President Russell M. Nelson continually encourages us to stay on the covenant path. Part of this covenant path is honoring the marriage covenant we make in the Lord’s holy house.  When we put Him first and center our lives on Jesus Christ, our marriages can be strengthened. David A Bednar beautifully taught that we can picture ourselves in our marriage relationship with the Lord at the center, in a triangle format, The Lord is at the top and each spouse on a bottom corner. As we look to him and walk the covenant path, we not only become more like Him, as we move toward Him, but as we do so, we become closer to each other as well. I appreciated this visual analogy. (See image below).

President Henry B. Eyring said "It is only with the companionship of the Holy Ghost that we can hope to be equally yoked in a marriage free from discord. I have seen how that companionship is crucial for felicity in marriage. The miracle of becoming one requires the help of heaven, and it takes time. Our goal is to live together forever in the presence of Heavenly Father and our Savior."  As we strengthen our covenant marriage relationship, not only will we be blessed but our families will reap the benefits as well.

Unfortunately, Satan is real and works hard at destroying the very thing he will never have. Brother Hafen describes three types of wolves that every marriage is tested by, natural adversity, our own imperfections, and excessive individualism. We will all face adversity. No one is immune. Our trials are given to help us recognize our dependence on the Lord, the love he has for us, and to help refine us in becoming like Him. In marriage, as we turn to each other for support in trials, they are easier to bear and bring us closer together.  None of us are perfect. In marriage, we can learn to be tolerant and communicate with one another, kindly, as we strive to overcome our weaknesses and imperfections. Finally, the world we live in is full of pressure to be selfish. This is not the Lord’s way, nor does it bring lasting happiness. With the Lord’s help, we can work at overcoming these various temptations. As we do so we will see the Lord guiding us in the right direction on the covenant path together that leads us back to Him.