My Answer: What form does Satan really take?
Q: What does the devil look like? I know he’s often pictured in a red suit with horns and a pitchfork and all that, but if he actually appeared to us, I’m not sure we’d recognize him. What do you think?
— Mrs. J.Y.
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A: For centuries, people have tried to picture what Satan must look like, and I find it interesting that he’s almost always portrayed as something repulsive, evil and violent. Anything that pictures him as cute or harmless is misleading — for he’s anything but that.
In reality, however, the Bible doesn’t tell us what Satan looks like — and with good reason, for he’s not limited to any physical form or image. Instead, Satan is a powerful spiritual force that pervades the whole creation, far greater than any person or beast or other creature.
He is not as powerful as God, nor is he eternal like God, and someday his power will come to an end. But don’t limit him to the mental image you may have of a pitchfork-carrying person in a red suit.
At the same time, the Bible indicates that at times Satan and his demons may take on human form. In his attempts to deceive us, the Bible says, he may even seem like a messenger from God: “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). If our lives are built on Christ and his word, however, we will not be deceived.
Satan’s goal is to keep us from Christ — because he knows only Christ can deliver us from hell and take us safely to heaven. Is your faith and hope in him? “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
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Q: Why do some people get their feelings hurt so easily? I deeply love my wife, but I dread going out to social events or even church, because sometimes someone will say something she thinks is directed at her (although it isn’t), and she gets upset. How can I help her?
— D.G.
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A: I’m thankful you love your wife in spite of this problem and genuinely want to help her. Too often, I’m afraid, someone in your situation might simply ignore his spouse’s hurts, or else constantly criticize her for her reactions — which would only make things worse.
We’ve all been hurt by what someone has said or done to us (or sometimes because of what they’ve failed to say or do). And unfortunately we’ve also hurt others, sometimes without even realizing it. One reason I wanted to reprint your question is because I hope it will make all of us more sensitive to the feelings of others, and more committed to helping rather than hurting.
The Bible says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs” (Ephesians 4:29).
What can you do to help your wife? First, love her — and let her know repeatedly that you love her and treasure her. I’m not a psychologist, of course, but I suspect that, down inside, your wife suspects others look down on her — because she looks down on herself. Do all you can to let her know this self-image isn’t true. You love her just as she is, and so does God.
Then, if possible, suggest that your wife seek help from a counselor who can help her understand her feelings of self-doubt. Your pastor can suggest a trustworthy counselor who can assist her.
Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn., 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM; or visit https://www.billygraham.org.