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
- Beginning with expressions of love and concern for each
member, individually
- Opening with prayer, inviting the Spirit to assist with
the process
- A member invited to initiate discussion of the item by
defining the problem and current status of decisions, etc.
- Opening for orderly discussion (one at a time,
"additive" rather than corrective comments from each member in
turn, etc.)
- On-going, focused discussion until consensus is
reached, under the clear influence of the Spirit (as opposed to
compromise)
- Moving forward with unity in accordance with the
decision reached
- Often a snack or other unifying tradition (The brethren
often enjoy chocolates and pie when they meet in the temple!)
- 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
Comments
Post a Comment