Emotions Aren’t Us (ATP)
What are your favorite scriptures to meditate on for reminding yourself that you are not your feelings?
We hear these things all the time in church, from our pastors, listening to Christian radio, etc. We know “we are not our feelings” but how do we live in such a way that our feelings don’t dictate our direction or define our disposition? Look at our scripture of the year, Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” We are a three part being made up of a spirit, a soul and a body. Our soul is the seat of our emotions. God designed us to experience emotion, but meant for us to be led by our spirits. In order to do that, we need to learn to distinguish between thoughts and intents of our minds and those of our spirit. Hebrews 4:12 goes along with Romans 12:2. It says, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” It’s only through the Word of God that we can walk in a transformed mental state. If the emotions we’re experiencing try to tell us differently than the Word, those emotions are false teachers.
Now, look at Galatians 5:22-24, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” That word passions means emotions. As we endeavor to be led by the spirit, filled up on the Word, we become better able to crucify our emotions and fleshly desires. Think about it. Have you ever heard of crimes of passion? Somebody is so angry that they hurt someone who wronged them. It’s emotions that cause these things.
Even Jesus experienced intense emotion in the Garden of Gethsemane. Consider what would have happened had He followed those emotions through to their desired end. You and I both would be eternally lost. The devil will give you thoughts and blame you for having them. The truth is, you’re not bad because your emotions triggered something in you. You just need to learn to be more filled up on His truth so your emotions can’t rule over you.
Look at Ephesians 6:10-11, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” The armor of God is His truth, His Word. The way we stand up to the emotions that try to overtake us is through His Word. Every. Single. Time.
This applies to lust, to anger, or sadness & depression. We shouldn’t even be led by excitement or joy. In all circumstances, follow where the truth of the Word will take you, instead of where those emotions will lead. Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding.”
Be Blessed,
Pastor Renée
