Past Feeling

Elder Maxwell pointed out that “three different prophets in three different dispensations bemoaned those who became ‘past feeling’” (Behold, The Enemy Is Combined, April 1993).  In a separate, similar talk he emphasized this again: “People who wrongly celebrate their capacity to feel finally reach a point where they lose much of their capacity to feel! In the words of three different prophets, such individuals become ‘past feeling’ (see 1 Ne. 17:45; Eph. 4:19; Moro. 9:20)” (Deny Yourselves of All Ungodliness, April 1995). 

In the context of these scriptures, “past feeling” seems to indicate a total rejection of the Spirit of the Lord.  Mormon was speaking about the depraved Nephites who were committing terrible acts, Paul was writing about those who “have given themselves over unto lasciviousness,” and Nephi was chastising Laman and Lemuel who were seeking to kill their father.  But despite the fact that it was used in scriptures in the context of those who were extremely wicked, I believe it can apply well to those of us who are actively trying to stay on the path.  There are a couple ways that I think we can understand the term.  First and foremost, it seems to indicate an inability to hear the voice of the Lord.  When we are past feeling we can no longer feel the influence of the Holy Ghost.  The opposite then would be to have this promise fulfilled in our life: “The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth” (D&C 121:45). Speaking about the Holy Ghost we often use the term “feel” such as when the Lord told Oliver Cowdery that he would “feel that it is right” (D&C 9:8).  Each day then we must decide whether we will seek to feel the influence of the Holy Ghost or whether we will be hardened and shut out from the Spirit.  A second way we could perhaps understand the term is to think of it in context of our relationship with others.  If we are past feeling, then we have no empathy or compassion or love for those with whom we associate.  We cannot feel any feelings towards those whom we come in contact with each day.  Many scriptural characters unfortunately show us examples of being past feeling towards our neighbors.  For example, Ammoron was one who had no feeling towards his fellow man.  Moroni said to Ammoron, “Yea, I would tell you these things if ye were capable of hearkening unto them; yea, I would tell you concerning that awful hell that awaits to receive such murderers as thou and thy brother have been” (Alma 54:7).  Just like his brother, Ammoron had no feeling whatsoever for those who were dying in the war he insisted on waging.  He could not be moved by the suffering of others.  Our mandate from the Lord is to not be past feeling by learning to both love God and our neighbor.  In other words, each day we have to decide whether or not we will seek out the voice of the Lord and whether we can show compassion to those who struggle around us.