Talk about an emotional topic!
So much has been written about emotions over the decades, and the discussion continues front and center even today. Yet rarely does anyone seem to strike the right balance—she’s too emotional, he’s not emotional enough. The differences in emotional “wiring” between men and women are just one example of how easily conflict can arise.
Today I want to focus on how the Christian world often handles emotions or feelings. Sadly, this is an area where I believe misunderstandings frequently surface.
I often caution people, especially those who are deeply grieving, not to let their emotions have the final word. If what we’re feeling runs counter to what the Bible says is true, we need to realign our perspective. Emotions are very real and play a significant role in our lives, but God’s truth must always take precedence.
For example:
- Feeling: “I am so lonely, and it feels like I’m walking this hard journey by myself.”
Biblical Truth: “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
- Feeling: “Nobody loves me.”
Biblical Truth: “I [God] have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3).
I’m not suggesting we shouldn’t feel our emotions. Through this ministry, I’m a huge advocate of accepting all of those emotions. However, it’s key that we keep them in their proper place in light of Scripture.
True confession: I tend to experience the full spectrum of emotions. Often, I’m frustrated that they seem to overshadow my logical or spiritual understanding.
The challenge is avoiding the extremes of the “emotional acknowledgment pendulum.” At one end, we risk drowning in our emotions, letting them rule our lives; at the other, we’re tempted to pretend everything is fine or deny certain feelings altogether.
This past week I rode that infamous emotional roller coaster, struggling to find the balance between acknowledging what I was feeling and resting in God’s truth. At times, they felt mutually exclusive.
I even caught myself thinking, Wouldn’t life be easier without some of these soul-wrenching emotions? What would life look like if we didn’t have to deal with emotions at all?
I found myself wondering, just for a moment, if life might be easier without all these intense emotions and feelings. I was weary of the difficult ones, and weary of the “ride.” The ups and downs of the emotional roller coaster left me longing for relief.
But then a deeper truth settled in. God—who designed every part of our humanity—intentionally included emotions. They aren’t accidents or afterthoughts. We shouldn’t deny them or tamp them down. Even when they feel overwhelming, they serve a purpose in shaping us.
Like every struggle in this fallen world, hard emotions are part of the package. But here’s the amazing news:
Because God created us as emotional beings, when this life is over and we step into eternity—praising him and basking in the beauty of his redeemed creation—the only emotions we’ll experience will be those he originally intended for our joy.
God never designed us to be emotionless. He designed us to delight in emotions that draw us closer to him. One day, we’ll know perfect joy, perfect love, perfect awe and wonder, perfect gratitude—perfection in every emotion that honors and glorifies our Creator.
So, while emotions may weigh heavy now, I look forward to the day when they are transformed into the fullness of joy found only in God’s presence.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11