What does the Bible say about managing/controlling emotions?

Answer

What would humans be like if we never became emotional, if we were capable of controlling emotions at all times? Perhaps we would be like Mr. Spock on Star Trek, as his responses to all situations seem to be purely logical, never emotional. But God created us in His image, and God’s emotions are revealed in the Scriptures; therefore, God created us as emotional beings. We feel love, joy, happiness, guilt, anger, disappointment, fear, etc. Sometimes our emotions are pleasant to experience and sometimes not. Sometimes our emotions are grounded in truth, and sometimes they are “false” in that they are based upon false premises. For example, if we falsely believe that God is not in control of the circumstances of our lives, we may experience the emotions of fear or despair or anger based on that false belief. Regardless, emotions are powerful and real to the one feeling them. And emotions can be helpful indicators of what is going on in our hearts.

That being said, it is important that we learn about managing emotions rather than allowing our emotions to manage us. For example, when we feel angry, it is important to be able to stop, identify that we are angry, examine our hearts to determine why we are angry, and then proceed in a biblical manner. Out-of-control emotions tend not to produce God-honoring results: “Human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” «for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. », (James 1:20).

Our emotions, like our minds and bodies, are influenced greatly by the fall of mankind into sin. In other words, our emotions are tainted by our sin nature, and that is why they need controlling. The Bible tells us we are to be controlled by the Holy Spirit (Romans 6; Ephesians 5:15-18; 1 Peter 5:6-11).

ns 6; Ephesians 5:15-18; 1 Peter 5:6-11), not by our emotions. If we acknowledge our emotions and bring them to God, we can then surrender our hearts to Him and allow Him to work in our hearts and guide our actions. Sometimes, this may mean God simply comforts us, reassures us, and reminds us that we need not fear. Other times, He may prompt us to forgive or ask for forgiveness. The Psalms are a great example of managing emotions and bringing them to God. Many Psalms are filled with genuine emotion, but that emotion is poured out to God in an effort to seek His truth and righteousness.

Sharing our feelings with others is also beneficial in handling emotions. The Christian life is not intended to be lived in isolation. God has blessed us with fellow believers who can help carry our burdens and whose burdens we share (Romans 12; Galatians 6:1-10; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5; Hebrews 3:13). Fellow believers can also remind us of God’s truth and offer a fresh perspective. When we feel disheartened or fearful, we can benefit from the encouragement, exhortation, and reassurance provided by other believers. Often, when we encourage others, we ourselves are encouraged. Similarly, when we are joyful, our joy usually multiplies when shared.

Allowing our emotions to dictate our actions is not godly. Neither is denying or demonizing our emotions. We should be grateful to God for our capacity to feel emotions and manage them as a gift from Him. The key to handling our emotions is to grow in our relationship with God. We are transformed by renewing our minds (Romans 12:1-2) and through the power of the Holy Spirit—the One who produces self-control in us «meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. », (Galatians 5:23). We need to da

By incorporating scriptural principles, cultivating a thirst for deeper understanding of God, and dedicating time to contemplate God’s attributes, we enhance our spiritual growth. It is essential to strive for a deeper relationship with God through prayer. Engaging in Christian fellowship also plays a crucial role in our spiritual development. As we walk alongside other believers, we support each other in strengthening our faith and emotional maturity.