Be angry, but do not sin. Be slow to anger. Be gentle at heart. Do not take revenge.
These are only a few of the many wise instructions the Bible gives regarding emotions and feelings. But before we go further, we must ask ourselves: what is an emotion, and what is a feeling?
An emotion is an outward response, while a feeling is a mental state in reaction to a stimulus. Emotions help shape our humanity, but they should not define us. How we respond — that’s us. And we should own that response, even when it's not ideal. Owning your mistakes and your strengths is one step toward becoming a greater person.
Today, if something doesn't align with people's emotions or feelings, it’s often labeled as wrong, false, or even delusional. Society has become so emotionally driven that different communities have twisted Scripture to suit their egos. That’s dangerous — like taking someone as destructive as Hitler and calling him kind.
In a time where someone’s feelings in the Northern Hemisphere can influence people in the Southern Hemisphere, we've let ourselves become prey to emotional manipulation. We judge quickly and reject things simply because they don’t “feel right” to someone.
But humans change. Plants grow. Dogs grow. All living things change. God does not. Our feelings shift every day, but God is consistently loving, always forgiving. He is who He is and always has been. So when feelings cloud your mind and emotions get the best of you, turning to Him is not weakness — it’s wisdom.
Feelings can keep you in the dark, but the Lord is your light. He sees the tears, the stress, the sleepless nights. He hears your cry for peace. And yes — His plan is to soothe your pain.
Feelings lie sometimes. That’s why God gave us reason — to choose: to choose Him over our deceitful emotions. Your feelings are valid — to a point. But they can also derail you: from your plans, from God’s path, from your marriage or any relationship. So watch your emotions. Your response matters — and that’s something we all wrestle with. Peter, too, reacted emotionally when he cut off a guard’s ear, acting from instinct instead of leaning on Christ.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart — which houses feelings — and all your strength — including emotional strength — and lean not on your own understanding — because your wisdom cannot match His, not even over your own thoughts, desires, or emotions. Do not be afraid, for He is with you. Know that He has good plans for you — not plans to harm you.
Standing Firm on God’s WordThat is how you fight both the bad and even the misleading good emotions. You stand on the Word. You pull out Scripture — which never changes — and you remind yourself of His love and His care for you.