Will There be Romantic Love in Heaven?

A question from one of our Third Hour followers, recently came to us. 

Let me give a scenario that I fear, and hopefully, it will help the true meaning of my question make sense.

I am afraid that I will die, and I will be greeted by people with so much love…. Charity, or platonic love… which is fine. However, I’m afraid that I could say, “I love my husband!” And that others will be like, “Of course you do, we love him the same as you do. Just like you love us the same as you love him. And the same as we love you, etc.” Will all love be the same? Will there be “extra” or different love for our spouses? I want to feel like kissing, hugging, holding hands, and still sharing sacred intimacy with my husband in the eternities, and I don’t want that with anyone else. I am a huge romantic, and I like that about myself, and I’d love to keep that trait. I also very very very dearly love my husband. I cannot even imagine not loving him romantically later on. My husband also has autism, and our marriage has been difficult, I have to work so much harder than some others in their marriages, and I have to accept a lot of very unromantic, stressful, and exhausting things that I know those without autism don’t even think about. I’m certainly not saying anybody’s marriage is perfect, or that some don’t feel similar struggles, I only say that those who understand autism understand best the situations I refer to and the increased degrees of difficulty. I pray and pray that someday I can be able to experience the type of pure, wonderful, intimate romantic love with my husband that is difficult to have due to his mental disability on Earth. Will I ever experience that type of love for even a minute?

So my response:

There are 2 questions I see here. Let’s start with the first one.

Question #1 Will there be romantic love in heaven?

The concept of love is often seen as one of the most profound and cherished aspects of human existence. Within the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the question of whether romantic love between spouses persists in heaven is met with a resounding affirmation. This article explores various dimensions of this belief, including the eternal nature of love, the significance of sealing ordinances, scriptural interpretations, and testimonies from Church leaders. Ultimately, it offers a comforting perspective that love transcends mortal life and continues into eternity.

One of the central tenets of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the belief that love is eternal. This perspective is deeply rooted in the doctrine of eternal families, which asserts that relationships formed in this life do not cease at death. Elder LeGrand Richards, a prominent Church leader, expressed this sentiment poignantly: “When I get to the other side, I am going to put my arms around my Ina, and then she will be mine forever and ever and ever.” This heartfelt declaration encapsulates the belief that the bonds of love, especially those nurtured within the context of marriage, endure beyond mortality.

A pivotal doctrine in Latter-day Saint theology is the practice of sealing marriages in temples. These sacred ordinances are performed by individuals holding the authority of the priesthood and are believed to bind couples together for eternity. As articulated in The Family: A Proclamation to the World, “Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children.” This sealing is not merely a formality; it is a covenant that sanctifies and elevates the marital relationship, ensuring that couples remain united in the afterlife.

The significance of sealing ordinances is further emphasized in Doctrine and Covenants Section 132, which outlines the principles governing eternal marriage and family relationships. The Church teaches that those who enter into this covenant are granted the promise of being together forever, thereby reinforcing the belief that romantic love will continue in heaven. 

Some may point to scriptural passages, such as Matthew 22:30, which states that in the resurrection, people neither marry nor are given in marriage, as evidence against the existence of romantic relationships in the afterlife. However, Latter-day Saint leaders interpret this scripture as referring to those who lack the authority to be sealed for eternity. In essence, those who are sealed in the temple will remain as spouses in the afterlife, thus preserving their romantic love.

Elder Boyd K. Packer, another respected leader in the Church, has spoken extensively about the role of romantic love in the plan of salvation. He noted, 

Romantic love is not only a part of life, but literally a dominating influence of it. It is deeply and significantly religious. There is no abundant life without it.  Indeed the highest degree of the celestial kingdom is unattainable in the absence of it.

This perspective highlights the integral role that love plays not only in mortal existence but also in the eternal journey.

In addition to romantic love, the teachings of The Church emphasize that personal relationships in heaven will reflect the bonds formed on earth. Terryl and Fiona Givens, in their book The God Who Weeps, describe heaven as a place characterized by enduring relationships, where the love shared on earth continues and deepens in the presence of God. They emphasize that the closeness and unity experienced in righteous relationships are part of the eternal journey, affirming that love is a defining characteristic of the afterlife.

Furthermore, many testimonies from Church leaders and members express the belief that the relationships nurtured in this life serve as a foundation for those in the next. The Church teaches that the love and connections made with family and friends will enhance the joy experienced in heaven, creating an environment rich in love and companionship.

The teachings of The Church of Latter-day Saints affirm that romantic love, particularly between spouses, is not only possible but will thrive in the afterlife. The sealing ordinances performed in the temple provide a framework for these relationships to endure beyond mortality, ensuring that love continues to flourish in heaven. As we navigate the complexities of life and relationships, this eternal perspective serves to uplift and inspire believers, reminding them that love is a fundamental aspect of existence, both in this life and the next. 

Question #2: Will individuals with autism be able to experience the emotions in heaven that they were unable to feel on earth?

The belief in an afterlife is a cornerstone of faith for many, and within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this belief encompasses the idea of being made whole and experiencing emotional completeness. For families with members who have autism, understanding these doctrines can be especially comforting. The teachings of the Church affirm that individuals with disabilities, including autism, will not only be restored to their perfect state but will also have the capacity to feel emotions deeply in the afterlife.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that individuals with disabilities are not held to the same standards of accountability as others. Many are viewed as innocent, and all are beloved by God. According to an LDS Q&A website, “those who are physically handicapped in mortality are in no way disadvantaged in their eternal potential” and will be resurrected “without blemish.” This assurance extends to individuals with autism, affirming that they will be made whole in the resurrection, free from the limitations they faced in mortality.

In LDS doctrine, all individuals have the potential for eternal progression, regardless of their earthly experiences. Those who enter this life with disabilities are often seen as vehicles through which others may develop Christ-like qualities (Ask Gramps). The belief that everyone retains their identity and personality after death supports the notion that individuals with autism will continue to feel emotions such as love, joy, and even sorrow. This is corroborated by teachings found in Alma 40:11-12, which indicate that both the righteous and the wicked will experience emotions based on their earthly choices.

The emotional experiences in the afterlife are also reinforced by the teachings of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, who stated, 

I bear witness…that loved ones whom we knew to have disabilities in mortality will stand before us glorified and grand, breathtakingly perfect in body and mind. (Like a Broken Vessel) 

 This not only provides hope for families but also reassures them that their loved ones will experience emotional fulfillment in a perfected state.

The concept of restoration in LDS theology emphasizes that all people will be brought back to their perfect state in the resurrection. This restoration encompasses emotional and spiritual healing, ensuring that individuals will not only be free of physical and mental challenges but will also experience the fullness of joy in the presence of God. Near-death experiences reported by members of the Church often include feelings of overwhelming love and joy, suggesting that the afterlife is filled with emotional richness and connection.

Additionally, the teachings of the Church emphasize the importance of family relationships in the afterlife. The family unit is central to eternal life, and the promise of eternal families means that love and support will continue beyond mortal existence This continuity of relationships assures families that their loved ones, including those with autism, will remain integral parts of their eternal journey.

Reports of near-death experiences (NDEs) often align with LDS beliefs about the afterlife, providing anecdotal evidence of a loving and accepting environment where individuals can experience profound emotional connections. Research conducted by Dr. Brent Top highlights that these accounts frequently reflect the Church’s teachings about the spirit world, suggesting that individuals with autism will experience joy and love in the afterlife, just like all God’s children (Near-Death Experiences Testify of Afterlife).

Mikaela, I hope this helps answer your question. Please rest assured that should you live worthily, all the things you so desire will be yours and those of your spouse.