Question
Dear Gramps,
I was just reading your answer to the young lady about homosexuality and how it should be treated. In it was discussed whether the Lord gives feelings to us. My question is, “Doesn’t Satan also have the power to give us feelings?” Couldn’t some of the feelings that we get that are seen as being in opposition to Christ and the Gospel come from him?
William
Answer
Dear William,
You are so right! Some thoughts and feelings are generated by inspiration and revelation from the Savior through the Holy Spirit; others are generated in the human mind, and yet others result from the influence of the adversary on the minds of people. The Prophet Joseph Smith once said that “some revelations are of God: some revelations are of man: and some revelations are of the devil.” But we understand that while Satan can convey thoughts, he does not know whether these thoughts have taken root unless they are reflected either in words or in actions (Elder Francis M. Gibbons, The Dual Aspects of Prayer, Ensign, November 1991, p.78).
We have the responsibility not only of generating thoughts, but also of managing the thoughts that come into our mind. Alma, in the Book of Mormon, said
For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence. (Alma 12:14).
Gramps
