By Jane Perkins MS, LCPC, LPC-S
Emotions are a natural part of being human. Joy, anger, sadness, fear, and even grief serve as signals, alerting us to what’s happening around us. They are gifts from God, yet many struggle with emotions, sometimes viewing them as weaknesses or signs of failure, which can lead to shame, confusion, or guilt.
Why is this the case?
In Western society, emotions are often seen as weaknesses or signs of a lack of control. The emphasis on self-reliance and control leads to emotions being something to suppress or avoid. Even within some Christian communities, emotions like anger, sadness, or anxiety are sometimes viewed as a sign of weak faith or lack of trust in God. This stems from an idealized belief that Christians should always be joyful and at peace, even in the most difficult times. However, this view misinterprets Scripture, making people feel guilty or ashamed for experiencing emotions.
What is Emotion?
Our emotions reveal what we care about and shape our worldview. They reflect our internal state, guiding our perceptions and actions. Emotions are external expressions of what’s happening within us. The most important aspect of emotions is that our thoughts drive them. It’s not our circumstances that determine how we feel but how we think about those circumstances.
Circumstances Don’t Determine Our Emotions
Our emotions stem from our thoughts and reactions to circumstances. The emotional battle begins in our minds. It’s not simply what we go through but how we interpret it that triggers powerful emotions.
While emotions are valid and real, they shouldn’t be the ultimate authority in our lives. Our feelings are responses to our surroundings, shaped by our thoughts and past experiences. Because our thoughts can change quickly, emotions can fluctuate, and they don’t always reflect the full truth of a situation. Just because we feel something—be it anxiety, anger, joy, or sadness—doesn’t mean it defines the truth of the situation.
But God…
God is the ultimate truth—unchanging and constant. This is why the Bible emphasizes the importance of “renewing our minds.”
“My feelings are not God. God is God. My feelings do not define truth. God’s word defines truth. My feelings are echoes and responses to what my mind perceives. And sometimes—many times—my feelings are out of sync with the truth.” ~ John Piper
Emotions Are Meant to Be God-Honoring
The Bible teaches us to manage, not suppress, our emotions (Romans 12:15-16, Proverbs 15:13-14). Bottling up emotions can harm both our mental and physical health. Instead, we are encouraged to express our feelings in healthy ways, as emotions are gifts from God that allow us to connect with Him and others.
Experiencing Emotions in God’s Image: A Key Part of Our Faith Journey
Emotions are not sinful; they are part of God’s design for us. God created us to feel, and He invites us to express those feelings. How we respond to our emotions is key. Ephesians 4:26-27 warns us not to let anger lead to sin, and James 1:19 encourages us to be slow to anger, resolving conflicts in a way that honors God. Likewise, grief should lead us to trust in God’s comfort, not despair (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
We are called to bring our emotions before God in prayer (1 Peter 5:7). Prayer is an act of trust, allowing us to acknowledge that God cares for us. Romans 12:2 reminds us to renew our minds, as our thoughts significantly influence our emotional responses. Aligning our thoughts with God’s truth helps us manage emotions in healthier ways.
Finally, we must take responsibility for our emotions (Proverbs 4:23). We are called to guard our hearts and address any negative influences like unforgiveness or bitterness. Emotional maturity comes from managing our emotions in a way that aligns with God’s Word.
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If you seek mental health support and want to explore what God has to say about your experiences, contact Jane Perkins, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who integrates Biblical Faith and Counseling to address your mental health needs. Are You Ready Counseling, LLC
