Why is it that at times we feel opposite and distant from those that are closest to us? Shouldn't it be the other way around, where we feel the most united and one with those people? It is because Satan likes to interfere with those relationships. I have always been told, during courtship, Satan wants us to get too close, but after we get sealed, he wants us to tear us apart. One thing that Satan and God know is that when two people get sealed and are ready to live their lives, they are to learn to become one and united while enduring to the end together, and that is where he interferes, its not always an easy journey, there will be hardships, challenges that may come but we can either stay united through those times or we can feel apart.
The Lord tell us how we should be united “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:18–21). Elder Henry B. Eyring expands on the Lords words by saying "In those few words He made clear how the gospel of Jesus Christ can allow hearts to be made one. Those who would believe the truth He taught could accept the ordinances and the covenants offered by His authorized servants. Then, through obedience to those ordinances and covenants, their natures would be changed. The Savior’s Atonement in that way makes it possible for us to be sanctified. We can then live in unity, as we must to have peace in this life and to dwell with the Father and His Son in eternity."
Now that we know how we are to be united, Elder Eyring gives us two things to look out for,
"First, the Holy Ghost remains with us only if we stay clean and free from the love of the things of the world. A choice to be unclean will repel the Holy Ghost. The Spirit only dwells with those who choose the Lord over the world. “Be ye clean” (3 Ne. 20:41; D&C 38:42) and love God with all your “heart, … might, mind, and strength” (D&C 59:5) are not suggestions but commandments. And they are necessary to the companionship of the Spirit, without which we cannot be one.
The other warning is to beware of pride. A unity which comes to a family or to a people softened by the Spirit will bring great power. With that power will come recognition from the world. Whether that recognition brings praise or envy, it could lead us to pride. That would offend the Spirit. There is a protection against pride, that sure source of disunity. It is to see the bounties which God pours upon us not only as a mark of His favor but an opportunity to join with those around us in greater service. A man and his wife learn to be one by using their similarities to understand each other and their differences to complement each other in serving one another and those around them. In the same way, we can unite with those who do not accept our doctrine but share our desire to bless the children of our Heavenly Father."
I know if we do this, we will be able to feel at peace and live in harmony with our spouse.
Resources:
That We May Be One Elder Henry B. Eyring
(D&C 59:5)
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