Emotions are part of our humanity. God created us with the capacity to feel joy, sorrow, fear, compassion, and even disappointment. These are not sinful in themselves, for they belong to the soul—the realm of mind, will, and emotions. Yet Scripture warns us that the motions of sins, which are by the law, work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death (Romans 7:5). This shows that emotions, though natural, can be stirred by the flesh and lead to sinful outcomes when not governed by the Spirit.
Faith, however, is of another order. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). It is not emotion, nor is it feeling—it is trust in what God has spoken. Faith rests on the certainty of His Word, while emotions fluctuate with circumstance. Without faith it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6), which means that God is not pleased with our emotions in themselves, but with our trust in His truth. Yet emotions, when submitted to the Spirit, can reflect His own heart. Compassion, joy, and peace are not merely human feelings but fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22‑23).
Can we come to God with emotions? Absolutely. The Psalms are full of cries of sorrow, fear, and longing, yet they always turn toward trust. David asked, Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God (Psalm 42:5). Emotions were present, but faith was the anchor. Even our Lord Jesus wept at Lazarus’ tomb (John 11:35), yet His trust in the Father was unshaken. Emotions are not excluded from our walk with God, but they must be brought under the rule of faith.
What if someone is naturally emotional by personality? Faith does not erase personality, but it reshapes it. The Spirit renews the mind (Romans 12:2), teaching us to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith grows by hearing the Word, not by suppressing feelings. Feelings are not replaced by faith, but governed by it. A believer can have both feelings and faith, and they can coexist when the Spirit rules. When emotions conflict with faith, faith must prevail. Yet emotions, sanctified by truth, enrich our walk—they allow love, compassion, and joy to be expressed in ways that reflect Christ.
Is love an emotion? Scripture shows that love is more than feeling—it is the nature of God Himself (1 John 4:8). It is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost (Romans 5:5). Love may stir emotion, but it is not grounded in emotion; it is grounded in God’s Spirit. Thus love is not merely a feeling, but a fruit of faith working by love (Galatians 5:6).
The balance, then, is clear. Faith is the anchor, emotions are the waves. Faith pleases God, emotions must be submitted to Him. A believer does not deny emotions, nor exalt them, but learns to let faith govern them. In this way, feelings enrich the Christian walk without ruling it, and faith remains the sure foundation.
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