We learn from the Saviour in Isaiah 49:16: "I have graven thee upon palms of my hands".
When something is 'graven', it stays there, fixed, forever. I think of words graven in stone, like those in ancient countries which can still be read today. The Saviour has us eternally graven on his hands with the nails that bound Him to that cross upon which He willingly, lovingly died for us. He will always remember us. We will always be with Him. The scars on His hands are just another sign that He gave his body for us, not to mention His whole life.
Likewise, in an eternal marriage, if we treat it right, if we love as the Saviour loved, and give as He gave, it will stay fixed forever. We should always remember the Saviour, but also our husband or wife, and think of them, and consider their feelings in every situation. We must treat our spouse as the Saviour treats us: forgive them, be patient with them, bear with their fears and anxieties and weaknesses, be slow to provocation, be selfless, be kind, love them! (see 1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
The most beautiful thing about the similitude of the Saviour/child-of-God relationship to the marriage relationship are when those Christlike attributes are so freely given between both spouses. There is no feeling closer to the one of being forgiven by God for our sins, than to be forgiven by a spouse. To see them smile gently, perhaps take your hand, kiss you, or take you in their loving arms, is so much alike to what the Saviour would do if he forgave you face to face!
To think about acting like the Saviour to your spouse is one thing (and what a sweet thing it is!), but to think of the Saviour as your bridegroom is another.
There are so many scriptures about this analogy!
Jeremiah 3:14
Isaiah 54
Ephesians 5:23
Psalms 19:5
Isaiah 61:10
Matt 9:15
Matt 25:5
Mark 2:19-20
Luke 5:34
John 3:29
D&C 33:17
D&C 65:3
D&C 88:92
D&C 133:10, 19
If we love our spouse, if we excitedly await their return home after a long time apart, if we enjoy their company, if we are willing to heed their counsel, should we not then do the same for our beloved, precious Saviour?
He is so precious. He is so dear. I love Him with all my heart, just as I love my husband with all my might, mind, and strength!
