Question
Gramps,
Hey Gramps, I know this might seem odd, but are we supposed to forgive Satan? We are taught to retain a remission of our sins, we are to forgive all men. Does that include Sata?. I know that Satan will never do any good for us; he will always seek to hurt us, but would forgiving him set us on a new plane of spirituality? I mean, from the outside looking in, if you could forgive Satan, how much easier would it be to forgive others and yourself?
WyattTroy
Answer
WyattTroy,
The commandment to love our enemies is a cornerstone of Christian ethics. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus instructs, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” This teaching emphasizes the importance of compassion and forgiveness, even in the face of adversity. However, it is crucial to understand the context and implications of this commandment.
To grasp the commandment fully, one must first explore the nature of love itself. Love, in a spiritual context, is not merely an emotion but an active choice to seek the well-being of others. It is expressed through actions, kindness, and a genuine desire for the happiness of others. As noted in the teachings of the Church, love is often associated with the blessings and gifts that God provides to His children. In this sense, God’s love is conditional upon the acceptance of His gifts and commandments. Elder Russell M. Nelson, in a 2003 address, emphasized that divine love, while perfect and infinite, cannot be characterized as unconditional, as it is contingent upon obedience to divine laws.
Loving our enemies, therefore, does not imply a blanket acceptance of their actions or a desire for their well-being if they persist in wrongdoing. Instead, it calls for a recognition of their potential for change and a commitment to treat them with dignity and respect, even when their actions are harmful. This perspective aligns with the teachings of The Church, which emphasize that love can coexist with justice. For instance, divine chastening is viewed as an expression of love, aimed at guiding individuals back to righteousness.
When considering the question of whether we should love Satan, it is essential to understand his nature and role within the theological framework of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Satan, often referred to as the adversary, embodies rebellion against God and seeks to lead humanity away from divine truth. His actions are characterized by deceit, manipulation, and a desire to undermine God’s plan for His children.
According to the Doctrine and Covenants, there is a clear distinction between those who can be redeemed and those who cannot. The “sons of perdition,” which include Satan, are described as individuals who have denied the Holy Spirit after having received it and have actively chosen to oppose God. The scriptures state, “These are they who shall go away into the lake of fire and brimstone, with the devil and his angels” (Doctrine & Covenants 76:32-38). This passage emphasizes the belief that Satan and his followers have forfeited their opportunity for redemption, making it impossible for them to receive God’s love in the same way that His faithful children can.
Given this understanding, the notion of loving Satan becomes problematic. While individuals are encouraged to love their enemies, this does not extend to loving those who have irrevocably chosen to oppose God. The love that God offers is conditional upon acceptance and obedience to His commandments. Since Satan has chosen rebellion and continues to lead others astray, he exists outside the realm of divine love as understood within the teachings of the Church. Thus, while we may strive to embody love and compassion in our interactions with others, this does not necessitate a love for Satan or a desire for his well-being.
A critical aspect of this discussion is the principle of agency—the ability to choose between good and evil. In the pre-mortal existence, all individuals, including Satan, were endowed with agency. However, Satan chose to rebel against God, fully aware of the consequences of his actions. This choice has led to his current state of enmity against God and humanity.
The concept of consequences is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Church. As stated in Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21, “There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven… upon which all blessings are predicated.” This principle emphasizes that choices have inherent consequences, and those who choose to rebel against God must face the repercussions of their actions. Satan’s choice to oppose God has resulted in his eternal separation from divine love and blessings.
While Satan’s fate is sealed, the same cannot be said for humanity. The commandment to love our enemies serves as a reminder of the potential for change and redemption that exists for all individuals. Unlike Satan, who has irrevocably chosen rebellion, humans have the opportunity to repent and seek forgiveness. This hope for redemption is a central tenet of the gospel, emphasizing that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love as long as they are willing to turn back to Him.
Gramps
