Emotions vs Feelings

How they navigate our lives

Part 2 THE EFFECTS ON OUR FAITH

Posted via email 01/23/25

Are we supposed to have/show emotions and fears? Did Jesus show emotions and fears? The answer to both questions is, “Yes.” Numerous times in scripture, we are told of Jesus showing emotions and feelings. Such as in: Luke 10:21 Joy – emotion, John 11:33-36 Moved – feeling, Matthew 20:34 Compassion – feeling, Mark 1:41 Indignant – emotion, Mark 3:5 Anger – emotion. We are called to do the same. Genesis 1:26–27 tells us we are made in His image; therefore, we are also to have/show emotions and feelings.

What does scripture say?

Emotions: The Bible states that any emotion (happiness, sorrow, worry) should be brought in prayer to God, as stated in Philippians 4:6-7. It reminds us that our emotions are tied to what we desire or think we need. Fear is a common feeling that can hold our emotions hostage, which is why fear is discussed several times in biblical texts. It is because God wants us not to be afraid when facing dangers, uncertainties, or discouragement.

With that said, how God handles emotions is the way we should handle our emotions: “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in mercy” Psalm 103:8. As Spirit-filled Believers, we are to be in control of our lives, which includes our emotions. We are to be sober- minded, reasonable, sensible, exercising good judgment and wisdom (Romans 12:3; 1 Peter 4:7;2 Timothy 2:12). According to scripture, emotions influence our thoughts, actions, and relationships with God and others.

Emotions: Emotions are often described as intense, short-lived experiences that arise in response to specific stimuli. Basic emotions such as joy, fear, anger, disgust, sadness, surprise, and delight. Emotions also play an important role in worship and prayer. The writers of the Psalms express a wide range of emotions. Worship (infused with emotions) involves the heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37), and believers are invited to pour out their hearts before God (Psalm 62:8.) Our emotions are often tainted by our sinful nature, and that is why the Bible tells us we are to be controlled by the Holy Spirit.  Ephesians 5:15-18 “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” 1 Peter 5:6-8 6 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.  Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Christians must be careful to develop self-control to counteract sinful emotions: Colossians 3:8 “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.” What scripture is trying to tell us is that emotions are an important part of human life experiences and human nature, and they are to reflect the image of God and be aligned with Biblical principles, which will help us obtain a deeper relationship with God and others.

FEELINGS: a feeling is “a self-contained phenomenal experience”; feelings are “subjective, evaluative, and independent of the sensations, thoughts, or images evoking them”. The term feeling is closely related to emotion, but not the same. Feelings (…on the other hand) Feelings play a significant role in our lives and relationships, including our relationship with God. Traditionally, Christians are cautioned not to trust their feelings. But when submitted to the Holy Spirit’s dominion, feelings can serve a purposeful function in our lives. We are also reminded in Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Scripture tells us that some feelings, if left unchecked, can be sinful. The feelings we have, if scriptural in foundation, train us to be able to minister to others, have compassion, empathy, peace, and have feelings of confidence, assurance, and trust in God (Psalm 71:5 Hebrews 6:19; 11:1; Romans 8:24). While often misleading (Jeremiah 17:9) and subject to change (Proverbs 14:13), human feelings can reveal spiritual truths and help us grow toward Christian maturity.

Another reason we must ground our feelings to adhere to scripture is that our feelings can influence our emotional state and can sway us to either be sound or sinful. Scripture tells us that without basing our feelings on sound Biblical principles, like emotions, our feelings lead us down the path to sin, destruction, and have a very negative effect on ourselves and others, even to death.

In conclusion, many, if not most, feelings and emotions are interchangeable. Like fear. You can be afraid when you are alone in a dark building, which is an emotion. You can also say I have a bad feeling when I am alone in a dark building – a feeling. Another difference is that you watch a love story, and the hero dies at the end of the movie, you are sad and cry. That is an emotional outburst, but days later, you say that was a great movie. That is a feeling away from the emotions you had when you watched the movie.

POINTS TO PONDER

Most importantly, human emotions and feelings are untrustworthy in their natural state. But the good news is that the Holy Spirit can transform emotions and feelings into truths. When our emotions and feelings have been shaped by the Holy Spirit, we become people who know how to act in any given situation.