Building on Eternal Foundations: Understanding Covenants and Commitment

Brothers and sisters, if there’s one topic that seems to touch nearly every family, every corner of our ward, and every heart in this community, it’s the sacred covenant of marriage. It’s a subject that brings out the deepest emotions—joy, pain, confusion, and sometimes, profound questioning.

Recently, I spent some time reflecting on Elder Oaks’ talk regarding divorce. Now, I know this is a sensitive subject. When we hear about the breaking of vows, it can stir up strong feelings, and it’s easy to get caught up in the immediate pain or the societal narratives surrounding it. But as returned missionaries, as disciples who have been taught to look past the surface noise, we know that the gospel always points us toward the eternal pattern.

What struck me most was the constant contrast Elder Oaks drew between the temporal, conditional nature of modern divorce laws and the eternal, unbreakable commitment we seek in the temple. Society, it seems, has often reduced marriage to a mere contract, something terminable at the will of either party. It’s a concept that feels so far removed from the divine pattern.

The Eternal Perspective: Beyond the Contract

When we study the plan of salvation, we are taught that the kind of marriage required for exaltation—the kind that lasts forever—does not contemplate divorce. That covenant is sealed in the temple, an act that speaks of eternity, not just the next few decades. This is a truth we must hold close to our hearts, especially when we are out in the field or teaching someone who is just beginning to understand the depth of these commitments.

It’s vital that we, as disciples, are prepared to discuss this not just with theory, but with compassion. We must remember that for many, the pain of divorce is real, and the healing power of the Atonement is absolutely necessary. We cannot minimize that pain, but we must gently redirect the focus toward the enduring power of Christ’s covenants.

A Skill for Our Internet Mission Field

This brings me to a small piece of missionary preparation I wanted to share. When you are discussing covenants, especially with someone who has been hurt by earthly breakups, don't just quote scripture. Instead, try to validate the feeling first. Acknowledge the pain ("I can only imagine how difficult that must be...") before gently guiding them back to the principle ("...but remember that the covenant pattern God established is eternal"). That blend of empathy and doctrine is what makes us effective internet missionaries.

It’s a constant reminder that our role isn't just to point out what is wrong in the world, but to point to the perfect, eternal remedy found in the gospel.

If you are looking to deepen your understanding of these profound covenants, I highly recommend diving into the teachings found in the Iron Rod library. There are some wonderful discussions on eternal families waiting for us.

For those of us who are feeling the pull to refine our testimonies, I invite you to join our next online study session. We are focusing on covenant keeping this week. You can find details for the next gathering in the community hub!

Remember, every member can be an internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Let’s keep building on those eternal foundations together.