Becoming One with God and Spouse

• Jesus prayed that all may be one as he and his Father are one (John 17: 11-23). • I beseech you that there be no divisions among you, but that ye be perfectly joined together (1 Cor 1:10). Also see (2 Nephi 1:21 and Moses 7:18)

• For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. (Ephesians 5:31). • Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife and they shall be one flesh (Abraham 5:18).

Man Woman

A man and woman should seek to get closer to God. As they do they will become like Him and become united as one. In the diagram below we can identify a few of the things that can get in the way of a man and woman becoming one.

Television Grudge Work Children Household Labor Friends Parents Husband Wife Unkind Words Beliefs Thoughts ------

Daughter Son Son

Assignment: As a couple please identify and write down at least three things which get in the way of you becoming closer as a couple. Together, start working on one of these things you identified that keeps you from being closer. Post it where you can see it. Watch your Thoughts: They will Influence your Marriage

Emotion

Action Wife Thought

Thought Husband Action

Emotion

Assignment: As a couple sit down and share one thought with the other that impacts the relationship. Discuss how you can think differently about the events that occur in your relationship.

Sexual Intimacy

• If I were Satan I would teach you one of two things. First, men and woman are so different that they couldn’t possibly get along. Second, men and woman are so similar that there are no real differences. The truth is likely somewhere in the middle. • Read the Ensign article by Brent Barlow and discuss it together (They Twain Shall Be One: Thoughts on Intimacy in Marriage, Ensign, September, 1986). As you discuss it don’t use it against your spouse. Just share your ideas. • Pray for guidance to recognize the “truth” about intimacy in marriage. • Consider the scripture found in D&C 121:45 focusing on “let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly”. Look up each word in the dictionary. Are your thoughts in line with this teaching. • Never share with friends, family, or coworkers the details about the physical intimacy in your marriage. • You cannot assume that your partner knows what you like. You need to communicate (with words) with your partner about your physical intimacy.

Assignment: Discuss with your spouse what you enjoy or appreciate about their demonstration of affection towards you. Todd Baird, Ph.D Weber State University