(Mark 12:29-30 ESV) Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
PERSPECTIVE ON EMOTION
- God has emotions.
- My ability to feel is a gift from God.
- Avoid the extremes of emotionalism and stoicism.
WHY SHOULD I MANAGE MY EMOTIONS?
- Because my emotions are unreliable.
(Proverbs 14:12) There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
- Because otherwise, I will be vulnerable to manipulation.
(Proverbs 25:28 NASB) Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit.
- Because it’s necessary for pleasing God.
(Titus 2:11-12) For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…
HOW TO MANAGE YOUR UNWANTED FEELINGS
- Name it. (Psalm 55:2b) My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught…
- Challenge it. (Psalm 26:2) Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;
- Tame it. (Philippians 2:5 NLT) You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
(Zechariah 4:6b) ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.
(Galatians 5:22-23) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control….
(Proverbs 13:3 TLB) Self-control means controlling the tongue! A quick retort can ruin everything.
(Psalm 119:11) I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
(Psalm 19:14) May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight…