Strengthening the Family

"If each spouse is forever seeking the interests, comforts, and happiness of the other, the love ... will grow" (Spencer W. Kimball, Marriage and Divorce [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, Co., 1976], p. 23).

• Do I acknowledge myself and my companion as persons of worth and value (see Ephesians 5:28-29)?

• Am I willing to see my partner as my best friend?

• Am I willing to put the interest of my marriage and partner first?

• Do I see how my selfish acts hurt my spouse?

President Ezra Taft Benson gave husbands the following counsel:

"Once you determine that a high priority in your life is to see that your wife and your children are happy, then you will do all in your power to do so. I am not just speaking of satisfying material desires, but of filling other vital needs such as appreciation, compliments, comforting, encouraging, listening, and giving love and affection." (In Conference Report, Apr. 1981, p. 47; or Ensign, May 1981, p. 34.)

Linda's Change of Heart

Linda was suffering in an unloving marriage. When asked to name one good quality her husband possessed, she resisted. It seemed ridiculous to