The Bible has much to say about our emotions. From anger to joy, anxiety to peace, the Scriptures are filled with instructions on how to deal with what we are feeling. The tendency for many Christians, though, is to keep our emotions bottled up so as not to appear weak or “unspiritual.” Too many of us care more about what people think than we do about being emotionally healthy.
It is important to remember that God created emotions. Rather than ignore them or let them overwhelm us, we must learn how to respond to our emotions in a way that honors our Creator and ourselves. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can identify why we feel the way we do and invite Him to heal what’s broken.
Take Every Thought Captive
“We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle to the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5)
What does it mean to “take every thought captive”? God has given us His Word as the standard for how we should live. While we can’t prevent emotions from being felt, we can decide how we react to them. Instead of judging ourselves or allowing our emotions to control us, we can take them under authority and into alignment with what the Bible says.
Renewing Our Minds
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
The world we live in is bombarded with distractions, so we must constantly be shifting our focus back to Christ. We do this through prayer, meditation, worship and Bible study. As we draw closer to Jesus, the easier it will be for us to view our emotions from His perspective.
What the Bible Says About Emotions
Here is a short list of Scripture verses addressing some of the most common emotions we experience. Be empowered today by the truth of God’s Word!
Anger
“People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.” (Proverbs 14:29)
Anxiety
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Envy
“But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.” (James 3:14-16)
Fear
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Joy
“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
Love
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Shame
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
Sorrow
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” (Psalm 34:18)
Pray About Everything
Finally, remember that scripture calls us to “pray without ceasing.” Taking our cares to our Father in prayer calms our anxious hearts and brings us into the peace God desires for our emotional health.
“…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
We encourage you to stay grounded in the Word of God and connected to Holy Spirit. He will faithfully guide you into all truth.
