We get to choose our emotion!
The Gift of Emotions: Understanding How God Created Us
God created us with emotions to reflect His image. Emotions serve as a gift that connects us with God and others. When we recognize the opportunities emotions provide, we realize that how we live, relate to others, and grow spiritually depends on how we choose to experience life. Emotions shape our identity and influence how we engage with the world. From birth, we express emotions, and ideally, parents teach us to manage them. Between the ages of 1 and 8, we experience ups and downs, often expressing emotions through tears and tantrums. How caregivers respond to these emotions plays a significant role in how we learn to handle stress, fear, and trauma as we grow.
Emotions Are Not Bad: The Role of Emotional Intelligence
A key goal in therapy is to help clients understand that emotions can be a source of strength or weakness. Emotions are not bad; they are a gift from God that helps us navigate challenges and make decisions. I often discuss with my clients how emotions can either support or hinder their growth. How we respond to our feelings influences how we handle difficult situations. For instance, two people might experience the same trauma but respond differently. One may process the event and find peace, while the other may struggle with negative emotions. The difference often lies in Emotional Intelligence—the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions in healthy ways. Emotional Intelligence is not about knowing more; it is about accepting and embracing emotions without allowing them to overwhelm us.
God Created Emotion: Emotions Are Part of His Plan
God created emotions as a vital part of our relationship with Him and others. Sadly, many learn to suppress emotions with phrases like “toughen up” or “stop crying,” creating the false belief that emotions are shameful. Suppressing emotions leads to suffering and disconnection. Growing emotionally means expressing feelings in healthy ways, according to God’s design. Scripture reveals that emotions are part of God’s plan. He experiences emotions such as anger, sorrow, jealousy, and compassion, but His emotions remain righteous and just. Psalm 7:11 says, “God is angry with the wicked every day,” and Psalm 2:4 says, “He laughs at His enemies.” These emotions are not sinful but reflect His perfect nature. Jesus also displayed emotions—He wept over sin (John 11:35) and showed compassion (Mark 6:34, Isaiah 53:3).
Emotions as a Pathway to Growth and Connection
God uses emotions to help us grow emotionally. Emotions are not bad; they are meant to help us process challenges, connect with God, and build meaningful relationships. Ignoring emotions limits emotional growth and hinders connection with God and others. Emotions prompt us to act, love, and seek justice. When we understand and express our emotions healthily, we align with God’s design for emotional well-being. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live with Emotional Intelligence, using emotions to honor God and lead to growth.
Transforming Through Emotion: Embracing God’s Design
In the end, God created emotions to help us grow, connect, and navigate life in a way that brings us closer to Him. As we learn to understand and embrace emotions, we allow them to guide us toward a deeper relationship with God and others. This process allows us to grow emotionally and express ourselves in ways that honor God’s design and lead to transformation.
Seeking Help with Mental Health and Faith
In our Christian walk, asking for God’s guidance is important. If you need help with mental health and want to explore what God says about your struggles, contact a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who uses Biblical faith to guide you. Are You Ready Counseling, LLC. Contact Jane Perkins, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who integrates Biblical Faith and Counseling to address your mental health needs.
