A Sacred Promise: Honoring Your Wife in Marriage and in Covenant
Image Courtesy of Kimbry Photography
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Happy wife, happy life.” But in the gospel of Jesus Christ, honoring your wife goes far deeper than just keeping her happy. It’s about reverence, covenant, and eternal stewardship.
Elder Russell M. Nelson once taught:
“Marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other human relationship.”
But that happiness grows in soil nourished by honor.
If you’re preparing for temple marriage—or supporting someone who is—it’s important to understand what it means to honor a wife not just as a partner, but as a daughter of God and a co-creator in eternity.
What Does It Mean to “Honor Your Wife”?
In the April 1999 General Conference, President M. Russell Ballard delivered a landmark talk titled “Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women.” In it, he gave clear and prophetic guidance:
“Brethren, please understand that your wife is your most precious and eternal helpmate—your companion, your best friend, your confidant. You should treat her with the utmost respect.”
Honoring your wife means:
- Listening with empathy and full attention
- Protecting her heart—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually
- Valuing her input in all family decisions
- Supporting her divine gifts and personal goals
- Expressing gratitude and admiration often—not just privately but publicly
- Never joking about her or putting her down, even “in fun”
When you treat your wife with sacred reverence, you’re honoring the covenants you made before God.
A Pattern from the Savior
In the New Testament, Christ’s gentle, empowering treatment of women offers a model for every husband. He uplifted, defended, and blessed them. He wept with them, listened to them, and never dismissed their concerns.
In temple marriage, you are entering a divine partnership patterned after that same love. You promise to cleave unto your wife and none else (Genesis 2:24). That means loyalty not only in action, but in thought, time, and affection.
As President Ballard reminded, “Men who demean women or treat them with disrespect are not honoring their priesthood or their eternal covenants.”
A Thought for the Wedding Day
On the day you are sealed, there will be many beautiful symbols—white clothing, eternal words, rings exchanged. But perhaps the greatest symbol is the look of love and reverence you show your wife in every small moment. Hold her hand. Speak gently. Make sure she feels safe, supported, and seen.
Final Thoughts
Honor in marriage is shown in how you speak, how you act, and how you lead your family in righteousness. You’re not just a husband—you are a covenant keeper. And your wife deserves your best.
As you prepare for your wedding day and the sacred responsibilities that come with it, let this be your daily prayer:
“Lord, help me honor her in every word and deed. Help me love her as You do.”
She is a daughter of God. And you’ve been entrusted to walk with her—now, and through eternity.
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