Question

Gramps,

Before we joined the church my husband was jealous of my past.  Now that we are members, he has settled down and our life with it. When at the temple I mentioned promises to us if we listen to our husband’s council, he took me to mean that we have more than one husband in the hereafter. Can you please help me by explaining to him that there is only one husband and that he does not have to be jealous of the hereafter. I know he loves me very much, but I hate the thought of going through this all over again, especially over something that has not even happened yet.

Karen

Answer

Dear Karen,

Your husband has nothing to fear. A woman can be sealed to only one man-here or in the hereafter.

It seems to be a natural tendency for us to assume that we will always have the same likes, dislikes and prejudges that we have here and now. Nothing could be farther from the truth. As we learn the principles of the gospel and how to apply them in our lives, our concepts change and our perspective broadens. As we learn to live more and more after the example of the Savior, we become more tolerant, more forgiving and more understanding. If we keep the covenants that we have made with one another in the temple, the time will come that we will inherit the celestial kingdom and live is a state of exaltation. At that time:

God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away (Revelation 21:4).

And from D&C 76:94,

They who dwell in his presence are the church of the Firstborn; and they see as they are seen, and know as they are known, having received of his fulness and of his grace.

So, in that sacred realm, there will be no cause for concern. We will honor, respect and love one another completely, unselfishly, perfectly. If our relationships at that time are not thus, we will not be there, nor will we have an eternal companion, so there is still no cause for concern.

Gramps