Divorce&

The Solution: The Gospel of Jesus Christ

Comfort

Introduction

● Life can sometimes throw us curveballs when we least expect it, and marriage relationships can sometimes go sour.

● Though we will discuss some ways in which marriage troubles may be overcome by leaning on the savior and the teachings of the gospel, we also recognize that in some situations divorce is inevitable.

● In this presentation we offer words of comfort to those who have been impacted by divorce in their lives and how the can find peace and comfort in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

● According to the American Psychology Association (APA) 40 to 50% of marriages in the United States end in divorce.

● In other countries it is as high as 60% and in Belgium it is as high as 70%.

● Divorce is clearly becoming an increasing pattern of resolution in the world.

The Reality of Divorce

The scriptures teach, “Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else.” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:22)

What Do the Scriptures Say?

What God has Joined Together

● The world is experiencing problems today because people are not clinging to their spouses.

● The Bible teaches, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” (Mark 10:9)

● Divorce is not always the right option. In marriage one can get caught in fault finding, instead of focusing on the problem that is bothering each individual. When one becomes accountable for his or her own actions and focuses on the Savior those in the marriage can receive solutions to the problems they are facing.

Divorce affects more than the marriage, it affects the whole family and then trickles into the world. Ideally it would be best if couples could find resolution other than divorce.

A Better Alternative?

How the Children are Affected

● “Scholars of family life tell us that the most important cause of the current decline in the well-being of children is the current weakening of marriage, because family instability decreases parental investment in children. “

● “We know that children raised in a single-parent home after divorce have a much higher risk for drug and alcohol abuse, sexual promiscuity, poor school performance, and various kinds of victimization.” -Dallin H. Oaks

● Families and Society function better when the family stays together.

The 3rd Article of Faith

● “The Natural man is inclined to think that the problem is our partner, the man of Christ knows that the irritation is probably the result of some faulty thinking some troublesome assumption and expectation nested in our unconscious. We can remove the judging even if we cannot track down the troublesome assumptions.”

● The atonement can heal broken hearts and strengthen relationships.

“We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.”

The 7th Article of Faith

● We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

● Through seeking revelation from the Lord a couple may find ways in which they can overcome problems within their marriage. If they are both committed to seeking help from our father in heaven then he will bless them and show them how they can once again find the love that brought them together in the first place. It may not be simple, but when revelation is followed God will bless them and help them to succeed.

Deciding to Recommit

During the April 2011 General Conference Priesthood session, President Monson told a story of a couple that were ready to end their marriage. They called him up at 2 a.m. and wanted to talk about their problems and differences. He suggested that they attend a temple sealing together the next morning. During the sealing the couple was reminded of their covenants and the beautiful things that Heavenly Father had in store for them, President Monson said this:

“We left the temple that day, and no one ever knew who we were or why we had come, but my friends were holding hands as they walked out the front door. Their differences had been set aside. I had not had to say one word. You see, they remembered their own wedding day and the covenants they had made in the house of God. They were committed to beginning again and trying harder this time around.”

God’s HouseCovenants

Made in

The Gospel Can Save Us

● “Therefore, ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for he that asketh, receiveth; and unto him that knocketh, it shall be opened.” 3 Nephi 27:29

● The third article of faith teaches us that obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel are what will save us.

● Elder Oaks explains, “For us the truth about the nature of God and our relationship to Him is the key to everything else.”

Unfortunately, some marriage end and not by the choice of both parties. When this unfortunate event occurs, comfort can be found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The 4th Article of Faith

The 1st Article of Faith

If one puts these principles first, repentance, follow the Holy Ghost and having faith in the Savior they can overcome the challenges divorce will bring.

“We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance;third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

“Ye shall ask whatsoever ye will in the name of Jesus and it shall be done.”

Hope, Help and Healing

“For those who experience divorce the atonement can also be a healing balm and an enabling power to be able to move forward. With the help of the Atonement they can find hope again.”

Divorce brings with it a unique set of challenges.

(D&C 50:29)

Julie, a young LDS mother of three went through a devastating divorce recently and found hope and purpose in her life again when she began to apply the atonement in her life. She used the power of prayer, scripture study, personal revelation and action to change her attitude, recognize her blessings and find joy in her trials and journey here on earth.

Julie’s Story

“We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul —We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”

The 13th Article of Faith

Seek

And I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all good, that ye shall live by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God. D&C 98:11

If one will turn to the Savior in times of trial and tribulation, He will not leave them comfortless.

Turn to the Savior

Joy Despite Trials

“The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and

everything to do with the focus of our lives.” Joy and Spiritual Renewal

Russel M. Nelson

The message of the Gospel is one of hope despite trial and tribulation. There are beautiful things in the world and there are beautiful things in the individuals around us, if we focus on the good. As we seek the good things that lead us to Christ, we can rely on Him to help us endure and to find joy, even when all hope seems to be gone.

marriage and even the heartbreak of divorce. We testify of the healing power of the atonement and that a loving Father in Heaven hears and answers our prayers in times of need. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Message to the World

The articles of faith teach that God hears and answers our prayers through personal revelation. That through obedience to His laws we can be saved and receive all the blessings that He has in store for us. We can repent when we make mistakes and through the repentance process we can be forgiven. Lastly, that as members of the church we can make it through any trial that the Lord sees fit to inflict upon us. With His help we can endure issues in

Synthesis Project 4

Contributors:● Brittney Steward- Editor, Outline Contributor● Cathy Amero- Editor, Rubric Checker● Emily Hanson- Slide Designer● Rachel Matthews- Outline, Images, Editor● Nate Smithson-Editor, Google Pres. Creator

● Association, American Psychological. Marriage and Divorce. 2016. 28 9 2016 <http://www.apa.org/topics/divorce/>.

● Drawing Heaven into Your Marriage● https://www.lds.org/ensign/1984/05/marriage-and-divorce?lang=eng● https://www.lds.org/ensign/2011/01/fundamental-to-our-faith?lang=en

g● Oaks, Dallin. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 1 9

2016. 4 10 2016 <https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/divorce?lang=eng>.

● Oaks, Dallin H. Divorce 2007 April https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/divorce?lang=eng&_r=1

● Unknown. lds.org. 03 2014. 02 11 2016. <https://www.lds.org/ensign/2014/03/young-adults/hope-and-healing-after-divorce?lang=eng>.

● Saints, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day. The Book of Mormon . 1 9 2016. 4 10 2016 <https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng>.

● —. The Holy Bible King James Version. 1 9 2016. 4 10 2016 <https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bible?lang=eng>.

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