The Family Proclamation—Words from God
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Topics
Embrace the Divine Origin of the Family Proclamation
Elder Rasband highlights the divine revelation behind "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" and its crucial role in strengthening families as the fundamental unit of society. He shares insights into the document's creation and its enduring relevance.
The proclamation has a divine origin, so we must treat it with the reverence deserving words from God.
The proclamation on the family is, as President Hinckley stated, doctrine.Key Points:
- The family proclamation was created by divine design to maintain and strengthen the family.
- The proclamation is a core message of the Church, reflecting God's eternal plan.
- It was prepared by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and presented by President Gordon B. Hinckley.
- Reflect on a time when you felt the importance of family in your life.
- How has the family proclamation influenced your understanding of your role in your family?
- Share a personal experience where you felt guided by the principles of the proclamation.
Understand the Eternal Role of Family
Elder Rasband discusses the eternal nature of families and our divine identity as children of heavenly parents. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our divine potential and the eternal future that lies before us.
The family is ordained of God.
You are literally spirit children of God. … Make no mistake about it: Your potential is divine.Key Points:
- Each of us is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents.
- Our potential is divine, and we should seek glimpses of who we may become.
- The proclamation calls us to live mindful of our divinity and eternal destiny.
- Consider how your understanding of being a child of God has impacted your life choices.
- Share a moment when you felt a strong connection to your divine nature.
- How do you strive to fulfill your divine potential in your daily life?
Apply the Teachings of Jesus Christ in Family Life
Elder Rasband highlights the teachings of Jesus Christ as the foundation for happiness in family life. He encourages applying principles such as faith, prayer, repentance, and love to strengthen family relationships.
Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of … Jesus Christ.
Faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.Key Points:
- The teachings of Jesus Christ are central to achieving happiness in family life.
- Applying principles like faith, prayer, and love can improve family relationships.
- We are encouraged to do the best we can in living these principles.
- Share a time when applying Christlike attributes improved a family situation.
- How do you incorporate prayer and faith in your family routines?
- Reflect on a family activity that brought you closer together through wholesome recreation.
Recognize Equal Partnership in Marriage
Elder Rasband discusses the importance of equal partnership in marriage, emphasizing that fathers and mothers have distinct but complementary roles. He shares a personal story to illustrate the importance of being equal partners.
Fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners.
Preside does not mean dominate, and nurture does not mean a secondary role.Key Points:
- Fathers and mothers have different but equal and essential roles.
- Equal partnership in marriage leads to stability and mutual respect.
- Personal experiences can teach us the importance of being equal partners.
- Reflect on a decision made in your family that required equal partnership.
- Share a personal story of how you and your spouse worked together as equal partners.
- Consider how you can improve equal partnership in your marriage or family relationships.
Seek Divine Guidance and Trust in God's Promises
Elder Rasband encourages turning to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for guidance and strength, especially when facing challenges. He reassures us of their love and the promise of peace when we live close to them.
Turn to Him; pour out your heart to Him; trust Him and His promises.
Feel Their love that "sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men."Key Points:
- We are encouraged to seek divine guidance and trust in God's promises.
- Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ understand our challenges and offer love and support.
- Living close to God brings peace that surpasses understanding.
- Share a time when you felt guided by the Holy Ghost during a difficult situation.
- Reflect on an experience where you felt the Savior's love and support.
- How do you seek divine guidance in your daily life?
