Pride in Marriage

Pride is a funny thing.

Often we are told to take pride in our work or our lives and I don't necessarily think that that is a bad thing! But is there a place or room for pride in marriage? The Guide to the Scriptures tells us that pride is...

"A lack or absence of humility or teachableness. Pride sets people in opposition to each other and to God. A proud person sets himself above those around him and follows his own will rather than God’s will. Conceit, envy, hardheartedness, and haughtiness are also typical of a proud person."

I think that this can definitely manifest itself in marriage. As I sit here contemplating this topic, I remember exchanges between my husband and I wherein I was not the most teachable. I truly believe that when you are married, one of your responsibilities to your spouse is to help them become more like the Savior, by loving them, not by lecturing them or by nagging them into submission. When my husband and I were sealed, our sealer told us something that has always stuck with me and something I try to remember everyday. He said, "It is the Lord's responsibility to change your spouse. It is your responsibility to change yourself and love your spouse."  I think that pride shows itself in marriage when we begin to lose sight of that principle. When we begin focusing on our spouses faults and not our own improvements, we are demonstrating pride. We need to remember to love one another and focus on our own improvements and relationship with Father in Heaven and your spouse.