Carole M. Stephens, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, “The Family Is of God,” Ensign, May 2015, 13.

“The Father’s plan for His children is a plan of love. It is a plan to unite His children﻿—His family﻿—with Him.”

We chose to follow Heavenly Father’s plan to become like Him, and we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior.

We existed as individuals. We were members of Heavenly Father’s family, and He wanted us to have the opportunity to become like Him.

Earth Life

We receive a body and are tested. The test of obedience to our Father includes how we treat our brothers and sisters and how we use the powers given to us, including the godly power a man and a woman have to create life and raise and teach children in families.

“Knowing why we left the presence of our Heavenly Father and what it takes to return and be exalted with Him, it becomes very clear that nothing relative to our time on earth can be more important than physical birth and spiritual rebirth, the two prerequisites of eternal life. … “… The matrimonial union of male and female … is not a human invention. Such marriage is indeed ‘from above, from God’ and is as much a part of the plan of happiness as the Fall and the Atonement.” Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Why Marriage, Why Family,” Ensign, May 2015, 51–52.

“The commandment to multiply and replenish the earth … is essential to the plan of redemption and is the source of human happiness. … The power of procreation is not an incidental part of the plan; it is the plan of happiness; it is the key to happiness.” President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Plan of Happiness,” Ensign, May 2015, 26.

“For anyone to attain the fulness of priesthood blessings, there must be a husband and a wife sealed in the house of the Lord, working together in righteousness and remaining faithful to their covenants. This is the Lord’s plan for His children.” Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Women general president, “Defenders of the Family Proclamation,” Ensign, May 2015, 15.