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President Nelson’s Loving Advice to Latter-day Saint Couples

When you walk out of the temple hand-in-hand as newlyweds, you're not just starting a marriage—you’re beginning an eternal partnership. And while temple covenants bind your hearts forever, nurturing those covenants day by day is what turns forever into joy.

In his timeless General Conference talk “Nurturing Marriage” (April 2006), President Russell M. Nelson gently teaches that “marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other human relationship,” especially when built upon gospel principles and sealed in the temple.

Here are a few of his simple, powerful reminders for Latter-day Saint couples—whether you're newly sealed or preparing for your temple day:

The Temple Is Just the Beginning

The sealing ordinance is sacred, but it's also a beginning—not an ending. President Nelson reminds us that “marriage is ordained of God” and was part of His plan from the very beginning. The temple provides the eternal foundation. But the day-to-day nurturing? That’s what builds a forever family.

“While salvation is an individual matter, exaltation is a family matter.” — President Nelson

Speak with Kindness—Always

Even small words carry great weight in a marriage. President Nelson encourages couples to “speak kindly to each other,” and to avoid sarcasm or criticism. Just as temple covenants are made in reverence, our communication should reflect love, trust, and mutual respect.

Nourish Love Through Everyday Effort

Love isn’t a one-time act. It grows through small, consistent efforts. From remembering birthdays to offering a helping hand after a long day, President Nelson taught that acts of service, affection, and compassion are how we live our covenants outside the temple.

Pray Together, Grow Together

Couples who pray together are spiritually bound. In moments of stress or uncertainty, turning together to the Lord strengthens the marriage and reminds both husband and wife that they are on the same eternal team. This practice, President Nelson assures us, invites divine guidance and peace.

A Temple Marriage Is a Daily Choice

Just like President Nelson and his beloved wife, you can choose every day to love deeply, forgive quickly, and keep your covenants joyfully. Nurturing your marriage doesn't require perfection. It just requires devotion.

“To appreciate—to love—he or she must be loved, respected, and nurtured.” — President Nelson

Final Thought
If you're preparing for a temple marriage—or striving to honor the one you already have—President Nelson’s words are both a gentle reminder and a powerful invitation. Your eternal marriage is sacred. And the way you care for it every day reflects the sacredness of your covenants.

You don’t have to be perfect. Just faithful. Loving. And willing to grow, together.

Read President Nelson’s full talk here →