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Becoming one in Marriage



What does it look like when couple is unified, and has become one?
Personally, I see a unified couple, when I see them making decisions together. But how can those decisions be made together?
A Family Council can be a huge factor in the unification of spouses.
We learn from Elder Ballard in his Counseling with your Councils article that “family councils provide ongoing solidarity and strength.” This has remained true to the various times that I have had family council. Whether it be with my immediate family, or roommates that I have lived with.
Listed below are many of the steps to holding a family council as mentioned by Elder M. Russell Ballard.
1.     Regular time and place to meet (temple each Thursday morning)
2.     A meeting agenda distributed in advance of the meeting
  1. Beginning with expressions of love and concern for each member, individually
  2. Opening with prayer, inviting the Spirit to assist with the process
  3. A member invited to initiate discussion of the item by defining the problem and current status of decisions, etc.
  4. Opening for orderly discussion (one at a time, "additive" rather than corrective comments from each member in turn, etc.)
  5. On-going, focused discussion until consensus is reached, under the clear influence of the Spirit (as opposed to compromise)
  6. Moving forward with unity in accordance with the decision reached
  7. Often a snack or other unifying tradition (The brethren often enjoy chocolates and pie when they meet in the temple!)
  8. Follow-up discussions of results and progress toward determined outcome
In his talk titled, “That we may be one “Elder Eyring quotes what it is like to become one and unified. He says, “The Savior of the world spoke of that unity and how we will have our natures changed to make it possible.”
According to Elder Eyring, this is possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We have the ability to change and make things right because of his example. We can follow the attributes of Christ in order to reach that unity with our spouse.

Below is a link for the Christlike Attributes I mentioned. I encourage you to choose one this week to work on in improving your marriage. In fact, It would be beneficial to choose one alongside your spouse and work on it.

https://www.lds.org/manual/preach-my-gospel/asl/chapter6?lang=eng

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