The Bible speaks in depth about our emotions and feelings- how we should handle them and how emotional health correlates to our spiritual and physical health. Our purpose here is to explore what the Bible says about our inner world, to identify the main concepts and principles contained in Scripture, and to provide some tips to control negative emotions and feelings.
The Bible is clear that emotions, whether good or bad, come from a deep inner source and can be carefully monitored, managed, and nurtured. Emotional issues are seen as something that reflects the person’s character and who they are naturally. Bible scripture says that God can use emotions, both positive and negative, to shape us and that by understanding their place in our lives, we can live more balanced, productive and meaningful lives.
The word ‘emotion’ is derived from the Latin word ‘emovere’ which means ‘to move’. In the Bible, we learn that emotions can be powerful motivators for either good or bad behavior. For example, Solomon said, “The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth” (Ecclesiastes 7:4). This means that the wise have understood the importance of using the emotions of sorrow and sadness to produce deeper insights and the foolish have become enamored with the temporary joy and shallow pleasure of ‘mirth’.
The Bible speaks of the danger of being overwhelmed by one’s emotions (Proverbs 14:29) or of being guided by every passing emotion without consideration for the long term consequences. In this regard, we should remember the verse “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). This means that our emotions can become a source of strength or a source of regret, depending upon how we channel them. With the help of Scripture, we can learn how to respond to our emotions in a positive and godly manner.
The Bible gives us a clear guidance for understanding and managing our emotions. For instance, Galatians 5:22-23 tells us to ‘sell’ our ‘anger’ and ‘happiness’ by ‘renewing’ our mind and mastering the art of cultivating our emotions. It reminds us that emotional health depends on self-control and discipline and that our emotions should not rule over us. Furthermore, we should not be dominated by our emotions or deny the power that they have over us.
Another key Bible teaching states that we have a responsibility to manage our emotions properly and that this is one of the great life lessons that we must learn. 1 Peter 5:8 instructs us to be ‘self-controlled and alert’. It also encourages us to respond to emotional distress with humility and faith, pointing out that the Lord is our true refuge and our ultimate source of strength (Isaiah 26:3-4). Isaiah 43:18-19 goes on to say that if we choose to follow God’s way, our emotions will be restored, and we will be filled with joy and peace.
Managing Negative Feelings and Emotions
In order to positively manage our emotions, we need to be aware of what triggers them and how we can control them before they take control of us. First, we must recognize that our feelings and emotions are entirely natural and have a right to exist. It is ok to feel angry, frustrated, hurt, or overwhelmed. One great coping mechanism is to differentiate between emotions and actions- It is ok to feel angry but not ok to act out in an angry way.
Our emotions can be powerful, so it’s important to maintain a healthy spiritual and physical balance while managing them. This means regularly caring for mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health, including getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and spending time engaging in activities that bring us joy. Keeping our stress level low is also important, so trying to find ways to relax such as practicing yoga and breathing exercises can be beneficial.
The Bible reminds us that we need the Lord’s help to manage our emotions and feelings (Philippians 4:13). That’s why it’s important to rely on faith and pray. God can lift us up in times of need and can grant us strength and hope that is greater than our own. We should also seek help from supportive people in whom we can confide, or even seek professional counseling if need be.
Another Biblical principle of managing emotions is to forgive ourselves. When we make mistakes or suffer from depression or other negative feelings, we should let go of the blame and guilt that accompany these feelings and give ourselves permission to heal so that we can begin to move on. The Bible encourages us to show ourselves mercy and promises that God’s faithful love will never cease (Lamentations 3:22-23).
The Blessing of Positive Emotions
The Bible encourages us to embrace the positive emotions of joy, love, and peace. The Bible reminds us that joy comes through the abundance of the Lord’s love (Romans 15:13). It also talks about the importance of love, stating that loving one another is the greatest law (John 15:12). It invites us to experience peace, which it describes as a “gift from God” (Isaiah 26: 3).
The Bible also emphasizes the importance of thankfulness and gratitude. We are reminded that thankfulness leads to joy and peace (Psalm 118:24) and that joy and thankfulness are blessings from the Lord (Philippians 4:6-7). We should be grateful for all that we have, as it not only brings joy, but can also serve as an expression of faith in God’s promises (Romans 12:12).
The Bible instructs us to cultivate joy in the Lord, for it is the source of all strength. We learn that through joy, we can overcome any obstacle, including stress, sadness and uncertainty (Nehemiah 8:10). The Bible also speaks about joy in terms of the Christian life, encouraging us to strive for joy even in difficult circumstances (Hebrews 10:34) and to receive joy from pure faith in our loving God (Galatians 5:22).
Empowering Ourselves Through Happiness
The Bible tells us to be joyful because it is both a state of life and a state of mind. It reminds us that through a joyful spirit, we can learn to empower ourselves and make the necessary changes to become better versions of ourselves (Isaiah 61:3). Having joy also reminds us of God’s presence in our lives and is a way to strengthen our relationship with Him (Isaiah 55:5). We learn that we can be led by joy as long as it is properly managed and cultivated as God intends.
We can tap into God’s grace to strengthen us and renew our spirit of joy. Additionally, consuming positive spiritual material such as Scripture, sermons, and meditations can help us to cultivate spiritual joy. Finally, engaging in meaningful activities that bring us joy can also act as a source of renewal – for instance, spending time with family, going for a nature walk, playing a musical instrument, or engaging in meaningful conversation and activities. Through these acts, we can be comforted and filled with joy.
Conclusion of Emotions and Feelings
In conclusion, the Bible offers some powerful principles on emotions and feelings. We learn that emotions can be powerful motivators for either good or bad behavior and that by understanding their place in our lives, we can live more balanced, productive and meaningful lives. The Bible reminds us of the importance of learning to manage our emotions, both positive and negative, as it is one of the great life lessons that He wants us to learn. It encourages us to respond to emotional distress with humility and faith, and reminds us that we should not be dominated by our emotions. Additionally, the Bible reminds us to embrace positive emotions such as joy, love, and peace, and to engage in activities that bring us joy and fulfill our spirit. Through following these teachings, we can enrich our emotional lives, live with more balanced wellbeing, and cultivate an everlasting relationship with God.
