Dear Angel,

Sometimes it is hard to get along with my family. Why does God put us in families? Are they important?

Love,
Alex

Dear Alex,

Families are very important to God. The family is the social unit that God uses as part of his eternal plan for you. The best time and place to learn about God is with your family. They can offer you the support you need to make it successfully through this life. The Gospel of Jesus Christ can be best lived if you do it as a family.

God put you in a family because he knew that would be best for you. Being in a family on earth helps you understand what your spiritual family is like. God is your spiritual father and everyone else on earth are your spiritual siblings. Your relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can be easily likened to your relationship with your parents, brothers, sisters, and children.

I understand that sometimes it can be hard to get along with your family. Try to remember that you love them even when you don't like them. Show them you love them first and they will follow suit.

One of the most special blessings we can receive from out heavenly Father is to have eternal life with our families. It is no mistake that this blessing is meant to be shared with the people you spent the most time with while on earth. If you live the commandments together you can have this blessing.

Love,
Your Angel