What is one of the biggest downfalls to marriage? The answer is pride. Pride has a way of creeping into marriage and causing tension. By nature, we can be prideful beings. The way to keep a marriage happy and healthy is by learning how to keep this in check. Too frequently, pride can cause an unwillingness to change or learn, to accept fault, to apologize first, and to fully love and devote yourself to your spouse. When we are prideful, we think more of ourselves and less of our spouse.
At times, I have been guilty of letting my pride get in the way in terms of accepting constructive criticism. I feel like I am generally pretty hard on my self and am already aware of my flaws so when my husband brings something up (even when it is in a loving way) I can be quick to be defensive. This defensiveness comes from false assumptions that what he is saying is a form of judgement. I know my husband and I know that he means well. I know that he is an incredible man who emulates Christ-like love. Something I have learned over the past four years of knowing him and two years of marriage is that he deserves someone that is going to treat him the way he treats me which is with pure love and respect. Because of this, I strive to always keep my prideful habits in check. I have found that as I try to put pride aside when there are disagreements between us, that we are able to have an actual conversation and better see each other’s point of view.
In the Ensign article, Beware of Pride by President Ezra Taft Benson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he speaks of pride. He says, “The central feature of pride is enmity – enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. Enmity means hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition. It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us”. One of the ways in which Satan tempts us is by filling our hearts with anger and pride. The Lord fills our hearts with love and happiness. That is why one of the ways we can rid ourselves of pride and turn toward Him and our loved ones is through the plan of Happiness.
For Eternity 