When creating humanity, God imbued us with His likeness, enriching us with emotions such as love, joy, happiness, and peace. Yet, with the dawn of sin, additional emotions—guilt, anger, disappointment, fear, and insecurity—emerged, emotions that were never part of God’s original design. Often, life’s circumstances can pull these emotions to the forefront, nudging us away from our spiritual path. It is crucial, then, that we learn to effectively manage and harness our emotions.
As followers of God’s teachings, we should be guided by principles of humility, discipline, and obedience. As we fully surrender our hearts, souls, and minds to Him, we allow His will to lead our emotions, enabling us to think and act as He does, thereby reflecting His character.
This mindset is vital to spiritual growth. The essence of this journey involves constant prayer and striving to mirror God’s character. By aligning our emotions and actions with His will, we prepare ourselves for the promised everlasting life.
God designed us to feel deeply. The Lord Himself felt pain, suffering, love, and compassion, demonstrating that emotions are integral to our humanity. However, our challenge is to ensure that these emotions do not govern us. Misguided beliefs that God is not in control can lead to fear and anger. Our feelings should lead us to self-reflection and align our hearts with divine truth. Identifying the root of our emotions and addressing them with biblical principles can lead us to live a life that glorifies God.
James underscores this in his epistle, urging us to listen carefully, speak thoughtfully, and practice patience. We are encouraged to embrace the wisdom of God’s word, which has the power to save our souls. Allowing God’s word to be deeply embedded within us is essential, preparing us for life’s challenges and ensuring that our reactions and choices reflect divine wisdom rather than impulsive emotions. When faced with trials, we must ask, “What is God’s guidance in this situation?” rather than letting emotions dictate our responses.
Romans 6 tells us that when we surrender to Jesus, we shed our old selves and embrace a life aligned with Christ. We are reminded not to revert to past behaviors but to stride forward in faith and maturity.
Ephesians 5 advises us to conduct ourselves wisely, making the most of our time and staying filled with the Spirit. Our actions should resonate like a melody to God—prompting us to meditate on how our reactions honor Him.
The Bible teaches us that if we claim to stand in Christ, our actions should reflect this commitment. Our emotions, though powerful, should be brought before God, allowing Him to guide our actions and sometimes prompting us to forgive or seek forgiveness.
Bringing our emotions to God is exemplified in the Psalms, expressing them openly while seeking His truth and righteousness. Allowing God to direct our emotional responses helps us mature in faith, embodying the virtues of holiness and righteousness.
Furthermore, God wants us to support each other, as highlighted in Galatians 6. Bearing one another’s burdens exemplifies Christ’s law of love. Judgment and reproach should be replaced with empathy and support, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us.
Finally, self-reflection, as advised in Galatians, ensures that we seek God’s guidance instead of selfish desires. We are urged to bear our own responsibilities and, through diligence and determination, God will provide help in our struggles.
Ultimately, living according to the gospel requires discipline. The gospel offers blessings to those committed to its principles. We are also taught in Galatians to share what we learn, spreading its goodness, and thus enriching both teacher and learner alike.
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:7–9. This text reminds us of the paramount responsibility we have toward our fellow believers. As members of the church, our primary obligation is to nurture one another’s faith. Often, we focus on preaching the gospel and sharing the three angels’ messages, yet we must first embody these principles ourselves. It is a grave error to neglect this personal transformation, as the Lord evaluates our service potential based on our personal adherence to His teachings.
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Verse 10. This text highlights the importance of mutual support among believers. Fellow Christians can offer comfort, encouragement, and a fresh perspective during times of discouragement. Instead of judgment, we should extend compassion and assistance, helping each other overcome personal challenges. It is akin to teaching someone to fish rather than just providing a fish for a meal. Our goal should be to cultivate independence, enabling individuals to stand on their own and seek personal salvation.
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19–21. We must meditate on these texts, which will help us understand the importance of allowing God to manage our emotions. Without His guidance, we risk exacerbating problems rather than providing assistance and creating joy.
“Every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.” Matthew 12:31. This passage emphasizes the significance of controlling our words and thoughts. Every idle word is accountable on the day of judgment. Therefore, it is critical to ensure our emotions are governed by God. Prayer and meditation on God’s attributes are vital for transforming our minds and emotions through the Holy Spirit, which fosters self-control.
Christian fellowship is an essential aspect of spiritual growth. By supporting each other in faith, we collectively mature in emotional and spiritual matters. “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.” Matthew 18:15. This counsel promotes direct communication rather than seeking pity or validation elsewhere. The Holy Spirit guides effective communication when we approach each other with humility and a desire to reconcile.
Addressing conflicts should be done with a spirit of meekness.
“As you go to the one you suppose to be in fault, see that you speak in a meek and lowly spirit, for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. The erring can in no other way be restored than in the spirit of meekness and gentleness and tender love. Be careful in your manner of speaking. Avoid everything in look or gesture, word or tone of voice, that savors of pride or self-sufficiency. Guard yourself against word or look that would exalt yourself or set your goodness and righteousness in contrast to their failings. Beware of the most distant approach to disdain, overbearing, or contempt. With care, avoid every appearance of anger, and though you use plainness of speech, yet let there be no reproach, no railing accusation, no token of warmth, but that of earnest love.
“Above all, let there be no shadow of hate or ill will, no bitterness or soreness of expression. Nothing but kindness and gentleness can flow from a heart of love. Yet all these precious fruits need not hinder your speaking in the most serious, solemn manner, as though angels were directing their eyes upon you, and you acting in reference to the coming judgment.
“Bear in mind that the success of reproof depends greatly upon the spirit in which it was given. Do not neglect earnest prayer that you may possess a lowly mind, and that angels of God may work upon the hearts before you, which you are trying to reach, and so soften them by heavenly impressions that your efforts may avail. If any good is accomplished take no credit yourself. God alone should be exalted. God alone hath done it all.” This Day With God, 105
Avoiding prideful attitudes and allowing God to direct every situation is essential. We should focus on reflecting God’s kindness, gentleness, and love, striving for sincere reconciliation rather than defensiveness or argumentation.
We frequently choose the easier, wider roads while God calls us to navigate the narrow path. This requires prayer and discernment to ensure our actions align with divine principles. As instructed, we must avoid bitterness or “soreness of expression,” promoting instead earnest love and kindness.
“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:12, 13. We are called to guide, encourage, and uplift each other, approaching every situation with a heart to fulfill God’s will.
As we engage with others, it is crucial to maintain a lowly mind, esteeming others better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3), and allowing God’s angels to influence hearts, acknowledging that any good achieved is entirely His doing. We must pray, meditate, and engage with others humbly, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our interactions.
Friends, we must ask ourselves: Am I ready to manage my emotions according to God’s principles? Am I open to being controlled by the Holy Spirit, allowing God, rather than my emotions, to lead me? Let us strive to align our emotional management with God’s guidance.
Pastor Domingo Nuñez is the Director of Outreach Ministry at Steps to Life Ministries. He may be reached by email at historic@stepstolife.org, or by telephone at 316-788-5559.