Study Guide for "In Partnership with the Lord"

In this talk, Elder Ulisses Soares discusses the importance of equal partnership in marriage and how it aligns with the principles of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the roles of both men and women in the family and the Church, and uses examples from the scriptures and his personal life to illustrate his points. Elder Soares also explores the principles that strengthen the partnership between man and woman, and how these principles reflect God’s plan for His children.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What does Elder Soares mean by "full partnership" in a marriage?
How does the restored gospel of Jesus Christ view the roles of men and women in the family and the Church?
What are the fundamental principles that strengthen the partnership between man and woman according to Elder Soares?
How do Adam and Eve exemplify the principles of nurturing and presiding in a family?
What does Elder Soares teach about the roles of single parents in the family and the Church?

Topics

Understanding Full Partnership in Marriage

Elder Soares emphasizes the importance of full partnership in marriage, drawing from his personal experiences and teachings of the gospel. He explains that in a true partnership, both spouses are equal and work together to achieve God's plan of happiness.

This experience helped me recognize the importance of the principle of full partnership in a marital relationship and how its application could help my wife and me to be of one heart and one mind.

In the Lord’s plan, a "help meet" was a companion who would walk shoulder to shoulder with Adam in full partnership.

What does it mean to have a full partnership in marriage?
How can the principle of full partnership be applied in a marital relationship?
What does the term "help meet" imply about the nature of partnership in marriage?
How can you apply the principle of full partnership in your marriage or future marriage?
What steps can you take to ensure that your spouse feels like an equal partner in your relationship?

Roles of Men and Women in God's Plan

Elder Soares discusses the roles of men and women in God's plan of happiness. He explains that while each has specific attributes and responsibilities, they are equally important and essential in fulfilling God's plan.

The restored gospel of Jesus Christ proclaims the principle of full partnership between woman and man, both in mortal life and in the eternities.

In an equal partnership, "love is not possession, but participation, … part of that co-creation which is our human calling."

What are the specific roles of men and women in God's plan according to Elder Soares?
How are these roles equally important and essential in fulfilling God's plan?
How can you better fulfill your role as a man or woman in God's plan?
What steps can you take to better support your spouse in fulfilling their role in God's plan?

Applying the Golden Rule in Marriage

Elder Soares discusses the application of the Golden Rule - treating others as you would like to be treated - in marriage. He explains that this principle fosters an attitude of mutuality, reciprocity, unity, and interdependence in the marital relationship.

The second relevant principle is the Golden Rule, taught by the Savior in the Sermon on the Mount: "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."

To better understand the application of this principle, we can look at the sacred and eternal bond established by God between our first parents, Adam and Eve.

What is the Golden Rule and how does it apply to marriage?
How does the Golden Rule foster mutuality, reciprocity, unity, and interdependence in a marriage?
How can you better apply the Golden Rule in your marriage or future marriage?
What steps can you take to foster an attitude of mutuality, reciprocity, unity, and interdependence in your marital relationship?

Nurturing and Presiding in the Family

Elder Soares discusses the roles of nurturing and presiding in the family, explaining that these responsibilities overlap and require mothers and fathers to work together as equal partners. He uses the example of Adam and Eve to illustrate these principles.

Nurturing and presiding are interrelated and overlapping responsibilities, which means that mothers and fathers "are obligated to help one another as equal partners" and share a balanced leadership in their home.

The experience of Adam and Eve, after they left the Garden of Eden, beautifully illustrates the concept of interdependence between a mother and father in nurturing and presiding over their family.

What does it mean to nurture and preside in a family?
How are these responsibilities interrelated and overlapping?
How did Adam and Eve exemplify the principles of nurturing and presiding?
How can you better nurture and preside in your family?
What steps can you take to ensure that you and your spouse share balanced leadership in your home?

The Role of Single Parents in the Church

Elder Soares acknowledges the challenges faced by single parents and emphasizes their important role in nurturing and presiding over their families. He shares examples of single parents who have successfully fulfilled their roles in partnership with the Lord.

Sometimes one spouse or the other will have the responsibility of acting in both roles simultaneously, whether temporarily or permanently.

I recently met a sister and a brother who each live in this condition. As single parents, each of them, within their family sphere and in partnership with the Lord, has decided to devote their lives to the spiritual and temporal care of their children.

What special challenges do single parents face in nurturing and presiding over their families?
How can single parents fulfill their roles in partnership with the Lord?
If you are a single parent, how can you better fulfill your roles of nurturing and presiding in your family?
What steps can you take to seek the Lord's help in fulfilling your responsibilities as a single parent?