4 Blessings of Attending the Temple as a Couple

By Hollie Wells

How does temple attendance benefit a married couple? Obviously the crowning action of this life and the highest ordinance in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is for a worthy man and woman to be sealed together for time and for all eternity. It is what everything in the gospel points to, so going together that one time is essential, beautiful, and wonderful. But what blessings come beyond just that wedding day? What blessings lie in store for couples who make it a priority to worship together in the temple on a regular basis to participate in sealing and other proxy ordinances? 

I understand that many in the church and many who will be reading this article are not married— only 6 months ago I fell into the same category. Or, perhaps you do not have a spouse who is willing or worthy to go with you to the temple regularly. Do your best to contemplate how these things can apply to you and the Spirit will whisper inspiration to you no matter your circumstances. 

Eternal Perspective 

Regular temple attendance blesses any patron with an eternal perspective. It seems with an hour or so with no distractions, focused on eternal things, your mind is able to remember what really is and is not important in your life. This can greatly bless a couple as they lay aside any disagreements or contentions and devote time together in the temple. I usually find I leave not even remembering any of my usual petty qualms in the days beforehand because I am focused on how my husband is mine forever! I’m thinking more about how I can become the best wife for him for eternity and less about how we fall short now. 

Time Together 

A direct blessing that comes from regular temple attendance is simply the set time to be together. There is always something to be said about the importance of date night for married couples! Especially for those with kids in need of a babysitter, your temple nights when a babysitter is already watching your kids become a great opportunity for dinner or a treat and some one-on-one conversation with each other. I’m not saying every date needs to be a temple night, but it’s easy (and cost effective) to combine the two.

Remembering Commitments 

“Recognize that much of the majesty of the sealing ordinance cannot be understood and remembered with one live experience. Substantial subsequent vicarious work permits one to understand much more of what is communicated in the live ordinances.” 

Richard G. Scott, April 2009 General Conference 

It is so important to remember. We need the temple regularly simply because we forget eternal things when we get caught in the business of everyday life.

One of the most beautiful things about worshiping in tandem at the Lord’s House is the shared commitments that are made and remembered. Men and women make the same promises to God in the endowment and the same promises to each other in the sealing ordinance! These shared commitments can help root a marriage in Christ, a shared, solid foundation, “a foundation whereon if [marriages] build they cannot fall” (Helaman 5:12) The temple ordinances also remind men and women of their codependent and equal roles. It is important to keep going to the temple to remember these commitments and to renew your accountability to God and each other. 

Renewed Commitment 

A last blessing of regular temple attendance as a couple is a renewed commitment to live the covenants you make! 

Elder J. Ballard Washburn said, “We go to the temple to make covenants, but we go home to keep the covenants that we have made. The home is the testing ground. The home is the place where we learn to be more Christlike. The home is the place where we learn to overcome selfishness and give ourselves in service to others.” (April 1995 General Conference) 

Truly, marriage is the perfect relationship to practice sacrifice, consecration, chastity, and a life fully dedicated to following the commandments of Christ. Every time I go to the temple, I feel a rush of recommitment to live up to these covenants. And what marriage would not benefit from extra effort in these areas?! What marriage would suffer from more dedication to building the Lord’s kingdom (especially the part of His kingdom that lies within the four walls of your home)? 

Get to the temple, my friends. The blessings are waiting for you there!