Honoring marital vows with complete fidelity

For many years, I believed that simply being sealed in the temple and striving to live the gospel would be sufficient for a happy marriage. However, after a decade of marriage, I came to a profound realization. I discovered that honoring one's marriage vows demands continual, unwavering effort. I began to comprehend that "honor" encompasses more than just superficial gestures; it entails showing genuine respect, admiration, and esteem for one's spouse. It involves a deep-seated commitment to treating one's spouse with unwavering dignity and consideration, remaining faithful and loyal, and upholding the sanctity of the marriage relationship. True honor, in this context, is about acknowledging and valuing one's partner, and consistently acting in ways that protect and uphold their dignity and well-being. This realization has transformed my perspective on marriage, leading me to strive for a deeper, more meaningful connection with my spouse, based on mutual respect, love, and honor.

So why honor my vows?

I learned 2 reasons why we should honor our marriage vows:

1) Have joy. Our marriage relationship will be the most precious source of joy that will sustain us throughout life. "...and men exist that they may have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25)

2) Children deserve to be born within the bonds of marriage and raised by a father and mother who honor their marriage vows with complete fidelity. (The Family, A Proclamation To The World)