Gospel Principles
Unit 8: Family Salvation
Chapter 37: Family Responsibility
Concept 3: Responsibilities of the Father
"The father is the patriarch of the family and has important responsibilities that are his alone. He is the priesthood holder and has the duties of priesthood leadership. He should guide his family with humility and kindness rather than with force or cruelty. The Scriptures teach that those who hold the priesthood should lead others by persuasion, gentleness, love, and kindness.
D&C 121:41-44;
"41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile
43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;
44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death."
Ephesians 6:4 "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
The father shares the blessings of the priesthood with the members of his family. When a man holds the Melchizedek Priesthood, he can share these blessings by naming and blessing babies, administering to the sick, baptizing children, and giving special priesthood blessings and ordinations. He should set a good example for his family by keeping the commandments. He should also make sure the family prays together twice daily and holds family home evening.
The father should spend time with each child individually. He should teach his children correct principles, talk with them about their problems and concerns, and counsel them lovingly. Some good examples are found in the Book of Mormon (see 2 Nephi 1:14-3:25; Alma 36-42).
2 Nephi 1:14-32 Lehi exhorts his sons to put on the armor of righteousness. Between 588 and 570 B.C.
2 Nephi 2 Redemption cometh through the Holy Messiah Freedom of choice (agency) is essential to existence and progression Adam fell that men might be Men are free to choose liberty and eternal life. Between 588 and 570 B.C.
2 Nephi 3:1-25 Joseph in Egypt saw the Nephites in vision He prophesied of Joseph Smith, the latter-day seer; of Moses, who would deliver Israel; and of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. Between 588 and 570 B.C.
Alma 36 The commandments of Alma to his son Helaman. Comprising chapters 36 and 37.
Alma testifies to Helaman of his conversion by an angel He suffered the pains of a damned soul; he called upon the name of Jesus, and was then born of God Sweet joy filled his soul He saw concourses of angels praising God His converts have tasted and seen as he did. About 73 B.C.
Alma 37 The plates of brass and other scriptures are preserved to bring souls to salvation The Jaredites were destroyed because of their wickedness Their secret oaths and covenants must be kept from the people Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings As the Liahona guided the Nephites, so the word of Christ leads men to eternal life. About 73 B.C.
Alma 38 The commandments of Alma to his son Shiblon. Shiblon was persecuted for righteousness sake Salvation is in Christ, who is the life and the light of the world Bridle all your passions. About 73 B.C.
>Alma 39 The commandments of Alma to his son Corianton. Comprising chapters 39 to 42 inclusive. Sexual sin is an abomination Corianton's sins kept the Zoramites from receiving the word Christ's redemption is retroactive in saving the faithful who preceded it. About 73 B.C.
alma/40">Alma 40 Christ bringeth to pass the resurrection of all men The righteous dead go to paradise and the wicked to outer darkness to await the day of their resurrection All things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame in the resurrection. About 73 B.C.
Alma 41 In the resurrection men come forth to a state of endless happiness or endless misery Wickedness never was happiness Carnal men are without God in the world Every person receives again in the restoration the characteristics and attributes acquired in mortality. About 73 B.C.
Alma 42 Mortality is a probationary time to enable man to repent and serve God The fall brought temporal and spiritual death upon all mankind Redemption comes through repentance God himself atoneth for the sins of the world Mercy is for those who repent All others are subject to God's justice Mercy cometh because of the atonement Only the truly penitent are saved. About 73 B.C.
It is also the father's duty to provide for the physical needs of his family, making sure they have the necessary food, housing, clothing, and education. Even if he is unable to provide all the support himself, he does not give up the responsibility of the care of his family."