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How do I destroy my enemies?

If I make them my friends, then who are my enemies?

Excommunication from the Church is viewed in a negative light among its members and is generally despised by non-members that do not understand. While it is certainly an unfortunate happening whenever a child of God is excommunicated from His Church, the reasons for it must be considered.

First and foremost, Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father love each individual soul. Christ suffered His Atonement in an act of pure love (charity) that provides a way for us to be clean, a way for us to know that someone else has experienced before what we are experiencing: our sorrows, pains, and afflictions. The knowledge of that truth brings a sure and certain comfort.

Secondly, God has laws which must be upheld even by Him, or He would cease to be God. Because of these laws, knowledge is dictated to man over the period if his/her life. The more knowledge we gain, the more that is expected of us (D&C 82:3) and failure to live up to expectations (behaviorally)  will condemn us unless we repent.

Thirdly, true repentance requires a “turning away from” — hence the meaning of “repent.” Offenses serious enough for excommunication usually imply a misdeed in direct offense to God Almighty or His Church (e.g. participation with anti-Mormon groups, embezzlement of sacred Church funds, or the taking of another’s life) require that “turning away”.

All in all, excommunication is an act of love from the Church; an opportunity for that person to actually come closer to their Heavenly Father after straying. The Stake High Council that holds the court does so with feelings of love toward the person, and with authority of the Priesthood, makes an inspired decision in the best interest of the person at hand: the path that will save him/her from the full condemnation of what they did. Excommunication lowers the level of expectation to the level of behavior so that they may repent. It is a chance to start over. It is the working of the miracle of repentance – and forgiveness.

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