Swedenborg wrote that the center of heaven is, in fact, made up of married partners, and although this is generally taught in D&C as well, it is sullied by false things that are spun into and among it. What’s most important to accomplish on earth is being joined to the Lord’s Spirit through the charitable way a person lives his or her life, which is symbolized by marriage. So long as that regeneration in the Lord is accomplished, if a marriage to a partner is not found on earth, one can be found in heaven, regardless of Mormon membership or temple rituals.

From this, we can easily discern that when Jesus said “hate” in the verse prior, he wasn’t talking about malice or violence. He was talking about getting your priorities straight. As a Christian, Jesus must be central to your life in every way. He must be more important than your father, mother, sister, brother, spouse, child, friends, employer, employee, etc. As sad as it is to say, I think the reality is that a lot of us choose to side with our family instead of with Jesus. We’re Christians by name only, simply to appear in good social standing.