"Marriage is both a commandment and an exalting principle of the gospel. ^{(Joseph Fielding Smith)} Because it is ordained of God, the intimate physical expressions of married love are sacred. Yet all too commonly, these divine gifts are desecrated. If a couple allows lewd language or pornography to corrupt their intimacy, they offend their Creator while they degrade and diminish their own divine gifts. True happiness is predicated upon personal purity. ^{(Alma 41:10)} Scripture commands: “Be ye clean.” ^{(D&C 38:42;Isa. 52:11; 3 Ne. 20:41; D&C 133:5,)} Marriage should ever be a covenant to lift husbands and wives to exaltation in celestial glory."

"As I meet with priesthood leaders, I often ask about the priorities of their various responsibilities. Usually they mention their important Church duties to which they have been called. Too few remember their responsibilities at home. Yet priesthood offices, keys, callings, and quorums are meant to exalt families. ^{(D&C 23:3)} Priesthood authority has been restored so that families can be sealed eternally. So brethren, your foremost priesthood duty is to nurture your marriage—to care for, respect, honor, and love your wife. Be a blessing to her and your children."

"appreciate, to communicate, and to contemplate."

"...As grateful partners look for the good in each other and sincerely pay compliments to one another, wives and husbands will strive to become the persons described in those compliments."

"Couples need private time to observe, to talk, and really listen to each other. They need to cooperate—helping each other as equal partners."

" If couples contemplate often—with each other in the temple—sacred covenants will be better remembered and kept. Frequent participation in temple service and regular family scripture study nourish a marriage and strengthen faith within a family."

"Above all, do not be selfish! Generate a spirit of selflessness and generosity. Celebrate and commemorate each day together as a treasured gift from heaven."

Nurturing Marriage

Russell M. Nelson
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles