In Partnership with the Lord

Ulisses Soares

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Takeaways:

Men and women are equal partners in the gospel of Jesus Christ, although men and women have different attributes and responsibilities. Adam was given a "helpmeet" so he wouldn't be alone in the Garden of Eden. "Meet" means equal, so Eve was to be an equal partner with Adam.

The following two principles strengthen the partnership between man and woman:

1) We are all alike unto God. We are all invited to come unto Him. Both men and women have the same possibilities for celestial glory. So we are all equal to God. 

When couples in a marriage understand this, "There is no superiority or inferiority in the marriage relationship, and neither walks ahead of or behind the other. They walk side by side, as equals, the divine offspring of God. They become one in thought, desire, and purpose with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, leading and guiding the family unit together."

"Love is not possession, it is participation."* 

2) Rhe Golden Rule, taught by the Savior: “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6:31), which is based on the second great commandment to "love thy neighbor as thyself."

The Golden rule merges with the characteristics of long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, and kindness. Those are characteristics we should strive for in our marriages.

Nurturing and presiding are interconnected responsibilities, so mothers and fathers should help each other as equal partners in leading their families. "Nurturing and presiding are opportunities, not exclusive limitations. One person may have a responsibility for something but may not be the only person doing it."

Not all families fit the mold, but no matter what, it is important for parents to provide for the physical and spiritual needs of their children and nurture them with the gospel.

Quote: "Nurturing and presiding are opportunities, not exclusive limitations. One person may have a responsibility for something but may not be the only person doing it." - Ulisses Soares

Questions to Ponder:

If you are raising children with a partner, ponder how you and your partner each fill the roles of nurturer and provider. When and how do each of you provide? When and how do you each nurture? 

Further Study: 

Genesis 2:18; Mark 12:31; Luke 6:31; Romans 2:11; “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,”; Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Howard W. Hunter [2015], 224; Bruce C. Hafen and Marie K. Hafen, “Crossing Thresholds and Becoming Equal Partners,” Ensign, Aug. 2007, 28; Liahona, Aug. 2007, 30; 

* Madeleine L’Engle, The Irrational Season (1977), 48.