Thought for the day

 

The call for us as Christians to not live solely by emotions stems from a biblical understanding of the importance of living by faith, wisdom, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, rather than being driven primarily by feelings, which can be unstable and deceptive.

Here are some reasons why:

1. Emotions Can Be Unreliable:
Emotions are fleeting and can often lead us astray. In Scripture, we are warned about the dangers of being led by our feelings rather than by God’s truth. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Our emotions may tell us one thing, but God’s Word tells us another. Living by emotions can result in decisions that are not in alignment with God’s will.
2. Living by Faith, Not Sight:
We are called to live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Emotions are often based on external circumstances, and they can fluctuate depending on the situation. Faith, on the other hand, is rooted in God’s promises and His unchanging nature. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” In moments of emotional turmoil, we are called to trust God’s word and character, rather than be ruled by how we feel.
3. Self-Control and the Fruit of the Spirit:
Galatians 5:22-23 speaks of the fruit of the Spirit, which includes self-control. We are encouraged to grow in emotional maturity and discipline, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our reactions rather than being impulsive or ruled by temporary emotional responses. Emotions are not inherently bad, but when they dominate or dictate our actions, they can lead to sin, like anger, envy, or despair.
4. Emotions Should Be Processed, Not Suppressed:
Christianity doesn’t teach emotional suppression, but it does encourage emotional processing in light of God’s truth. We are called to bring our burdens and emotions before God in prayer (1 Peter 5:7), but we must not allow them to control us. Instead, we should align our feelings with the truth of God’s Word, finding peace in His sovereignty and grace, rather than living in a constant state of emotional upheaval.
5. Seeking God’s Will Over Emotional Instincts:
The Bible teaches that we should seek God’s wisdom and guidance, especially when making decisions. Proverbs 3:5-6 urges us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding. Our emotions can sometimes cloud our judgment, but seeking God’s wisdom through prayer, His Word, and counsel from other spiritually mature wifebelievers helps us to make choices that honour Him.

In summary, while emotions are a natural and God-given part of being human, we as Christians are called to live in a way that prioritizes faith, wisdom, and obedience to God’s Word, rather than being ruled by fluctuating feelings. By doing so, we live in a way that is grounded, stable, and in alignment with God’s will for our lives.

Erick Bouwmeester
#lovebeyondchurch
#lovebeyondwordsministry
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