UNITY
SELECTED TEACHINGS
Importance of Unity in Marriage
Elder Ezra Taft Benson
“A husband and wife must attain righteous unity
and oneness in their goals, desires, and actions” (in
Conference Report, Oct. 1982, 85; or Ensign,Nov.
1982, 59).
Sister Barbara Winder
“I couldn’t help thinking of the words of Paul as
he admonished the Church to serve in unity and
purpose, and as he taught that all parts must function
for the good of the whole. So it is in a marriage and
in a family that we must function together” (in
Conference Report, Apr. 1984, 79; or Ensign,May
1984, 59).
Achieving Unity through Seeking the Lord
and His Righteousness
President Marion G. Romney
“There is but one way that we can be united, and
that way is to seek the Lord and his righteousness.
(See 3 Nephi 13:33.) Unity comes by following the
light from above. It does not come out of the
confusions below. While men depend upon their
own wisdom and walk in their own way, without
the guidance of the Lord they cannot live in unity.
Neither can they come to unity by following
uninspired men.
“The way to unity is for us to learn the will of the
Lord and then to do it. Until this basic principle is
understood and observed, there will be no unity
and peace on the earth” (in Conference Report, Apr.
1983, 21–22; or Ensign,May 1983, 17).
Elder L. Tom Perry
“We see the unity that comes from a faith in God
and a desire to build His kingdom. And we see the
dissension that results when the hearts of the
people turn to selfish wants and desires, to the
pleasures of the flesh, to riches and worldly
possessions” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1987, 39;
or Ensign,May 1987, 33).Elder James E. Faust
“Our unity comes from full agreement with
righteous principles and general response to the
operation of the Spirit of God” (in Conference
Report, Oct. 1993, 53; or Ensign,Nov. 1993, 38).Achieving Unity through Charity
Elder James E. Faust
“It is far more difficult to be of one heart and
mind than to be physically one. This unity of heart
and mind is manifest in sincere expressions of
‘I appreciate you’ and ‘I am proud of you.’ Such
domestic harmony results from forgiving and
forgetting, essential elements of a maturing marriage
relationship. Someone has said that we should keep
our eyes wide open before marriage and half shut
afterward (Magdeleine de Scudéry, in John P. Bradley,
et al., comp., The International Dictionary of Thoughts
[Chicago: J. G. Ferguson Publishing Co., 1969],
p. 472). True charity ought to begin in marriage, for
it is a relationship that must be rebuilt every day”
(in Conference Report, Apr. 1993, 46; or Ensign,
May 1993, 36).Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin
“I believe we must constantly nourish the seeds of
love, harmony, and unity in our homes and families.
Fathers are to preside over their families in kindness,
remembering that ‘no power or influence can or
ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood,
only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness
and meekness, and by love unfeigned’ (D&C 121:41).
Husbands and wives are to love each other with a
pure love that transcends selfishness” (in Conference
Report, Apr. 1989, 8; or Ensign,May 1989, 8).Elder William R. Bradford
“Within each of us there is an intense need to feel
that we belong. This feeling of unity and togetherness
comes through the warmth of a smile, a handshake,There is little we cannot
accomplish if we will go forward
with united hearts to do so.
—President Gordon B. Hinckley344