Friday, February 12, 2010

True Love and the Priesthood

By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families.

Since my last post, I've been thinking a lot about my husband as the Patriarch of our family. I think the role of patriarch is grossly misunderstood, generally, and the term has been borrowed and twisted by the feminist movement to mean something far removed from the original meaning.

A patriarch, in my mind, holds the Priesthood of God and uses it in the service of his family. He loves them, and leads out in righteous efforts. He sets the example for his wife and children. He works to support them financially and keep them safe. A man who holds the Priesthood cherishes and serves his family. Here is my favorite scripture, which I think most perfectly describes my husband and his role in our family:

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. By kindness and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile . . . that he(or she) may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.

Yes, that's my true love.

2 comments:

Heather said...

*Heather Harper likes this.*

MomAlicia said...

Amen Sister Friend!