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Have you ever felt confused about how to handle your emotions as a Christian? You’re not alone.
There’s a common misconception that Christians should ignore their emotions, viewing them as distractions or even temptations. But is that totally what the Bible teaches?
Absolutely not, our emotions can sometimes interfere with our relationship with God, and yes, they can even lead us down the wrong path. They can even prompt us to act in ways that are disobedient to His will. But is that the whole story? Is it really as simple as black and white? What other factors should we be thinking about? So, how should we handle this?
Ignoring or suppressing our emotions can have real consequences. It can lead to stress, affect our relationships, and even distance us from God. On the flip side, paying attention to our emotions can open doors to spiritual growth, a closer relationship with God, and better connections with the people around us.
In this blog post, we’re going to dig deep into what the Bible says about emotions. We’ll look at scriptures that some people think tell us to ignore our feelings, and we’ll explore how these verses can actually fit with the idea that emotions are an important part of who we are. Our goal is to help you find a balanced way to deal with your emotions in light of your faith, so you can grow spiritually and build stronger relationships.
Trusting God Over Our Own Understanding: A Closer Look at Proverbs 3:5
One of the scriptures that often comes up in discussions about emotions and Christianity is Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” At first glance, this verse might seem to suggest that our own feelings or thoughts are unreliable, leading some to conclude that emotions should be ignored or suppressed.
However, a closer look reveals that the verse is actually encouraging us to prioritize God’s truths over our own understanding. It’s not saying that our emotions or thoughts are useless; rather, it’s guiding us to bring them under the umbrella of God’s wisdom. In other words, instead of dismissing our emotions, we should evaluate and understand them in the context of our faith and God’s teachings.
Think about it this way: Our emotions are real, but they’re not the full story. They’re like signposts on a road, pointing us toward something. Maybe it’s something we need to address, or perhaps it’s an area where we need to grow. By trusting in God’s word, we can navigate these emotional signposts more effectively. We can ask questions like, “What is God trying to teach me through this emotion?” or “How can this feeling lead me to a deeper relationship with God?”
So, when Proverbs 3:5 advises us not to “lean on our own understanding,” it’s not a call to emotional detachment. Instead, it’s an invitation to engage with our emotions in a God-centered way. It’s about balancing our emotional experiences with the wisdom and guidance that come from a relationship with God.
Emotions are God-Given: A Deeper Dive
One of the foundational beliefs that can help us navigate our emotional landscape is the understanding that emotions are God-given. They’re not a byproduct of our fallen nature or a mistake in our design; they are intentionally woven into the fabric of who we are by our Creator.
Let’s consider Jesus, who is the perfect representation of God in human form. If emotions were something to be avoided or suppressed, we would expect Jesus to be an emotionless figure. However, the Gospels paint a different picture. Jesus felt and expressed a wide range of emotions during His time on Earth.
For instance, when Jesus cleared the temple of money changers in John 2:13-17, He displayed righteous anger. His emotion was directed at a real injustice—turning a house of prayer into a marketplace. This wasn’t uncontrolled rage; it was a focused, purposeful emotion that led to action.
Similarly, when Jesus wept at the death of Lazarus in John 11:35, He showed us that sorrow and grief are natural and appropriate responses to loss. Even though Jesus knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead, He still took a moment to feel and express sorrow, validating the emotional experiences of those around Him.
So, what does this mean for us? It means that our emotions are not something to be ashamed of or to hide away. They are a part of the complex beings that God created us to be. Emotions can serve as indicators, alerting us to what’s happening in our inner world. They can also motivate us to action, just like Jesus was moved to clear the temple.
However, it’s essential to remember that while emotions are real and important, they are not the ultimate authority in our lives. They are one piece of the puzzle, meant to be experienced and understood in the broader context of our relationship with God and His truths.
By recognizing that our emotions are God-given, we can approach them with a sense of purpose and curiosity, rather than fear or disdain. We can invite God into our emotional experiences, asking Him to give us wisdom and understanding as we navigate the ups and downs of our emotional lives.
The Foolishness of Trusting Only in Ourselves: Understanding Proverbs 28:26
Another verse that often comes up in this context is Proverbs 28:26: “Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.” At first glance, this might seem like a clear-cut case against trusting our emotions. After all, if trusting in our own mind is foolish, where do emotions fit in?
The key to understanding this verse lies in the second part: “but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.” This suggests that the problem isn’t with having emotions or thoughts; it’s with relying solely on them without seeking wisdom.
So, what does it mean to “walk in wisdom”? It means to filter our emotions and thoughts through the lens of God’s Word, the counsel of trusted advisors, and prayerful consideration. It’s not about disregarding how we feel; it’s about not letting our feelings be the sole determining factor in our actions or decisions.
For instance, if you’re feeling angry, instead of acting on that anger impulsively, you might pause to pray for wisdom, consult relevant scriptures, and perhaps seek advice from a trusted friend. Your emotion becomes an opportunity for wisdom-filled reflection rather than a trigger for foolish action.
The Deceitful Heart: Navigating the Complexity of Jeremiah 17:9
One of the most challenging scriptures to reconcile with the idea that emotions are God-given is Jeremiah 17:9: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” This verse seems to cast a shadow of doubt over the reliability of our emotions and inner experiences. Does this mean we should ignore our feelings because they’re inherently deceitful?
The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. While the verse does caution us about the fallibility of the human heart, it doesn’t instruct us to completely disregard our emotions. Rather, it serves as a reminder to approach our feelings with a sense of caution and discernment.
The key is to examine our emotions critically and bring them before God. When we feel a strong emotion, whether it’s joy, anger, or sorrow, it’s important to pause and reflect on it in the context of our faith. We can ask questions like, “Is this emotion leading me closer to God and His will, or is it pulling me away?” and “How does this feeling align with the teachings of the Bible?”
By bringing our emotions before God in prayer, we invite Him to shine His light of wisdom and truth on them. This process allows us to sift through our feelings, retaining what is good and true while discarding what is deceptive or harmful. It’s not about ignoring our emotions; it’s about submitting them to the higher authority of God’s wisdom.
In doing so, we acknowledge the complexity of the human heart as described in Jeremiah 17:9. We recognize its potential for both good and bad, and we take active steps to align it with God’s will. This approach allows us to engage with our emotions in a healthy, constructive way, using them as tools for growth rather than as stumbling blocks.
Navigating the complex landscape of emotions within the framework of Christian faith is no small task. As we’ve seen, scriptures like Proverbs 3:5, Proverbs 28:26, and Jeremiah 17:9 offer valuable insights, but they are often misunderstood to suggest that emotions should be ignored or suppressed. However, a closer look reveals a more nuanced message.
So to make it plain, these scriptures caution us against the dangers of relying solely on our emotions or personal understanding, but they are not advocating for us to neglect our emotional selves. Rather, they serve as reminders to approach our feelings with discernment, wisdom, and a God-centered perspective. They encourage us to bring our emotions into the light of God’s Word and to seek His guidance in understanding and managing them.
By doing so, we don’t just acknowledge our emotions; we also open the door to deeper spiritual growth, more meaningful relationships, and a richer, more balanced Christian life. We learn to see our emotions as tools that, when understood and aligned with God’s wisdom, can bring us closer to Him and help us navigate the challenges and opportunities that life brings.
So, the next time you find yourself wrestling with your emotions, remember that they are not your enemy. They are a part of the intricate design that God has woven into the fabric of your being, intended to be experienced, understood, and guided by His loving wisdom.
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