Feelings are essential for a full life—without them, we have little to no interest in even life itself which can have terrible outcomes for ourselves and others. But if we are led by them, we can become enslaved by them.
This is Felicia Ferguson with Christian Mix 106, helping you build faith for the journey.
According to Dallas Willard in his book Renovation of the Heart, “feelings are a primary blessing and a primary problem for human life.” Feelings are wonderful to help us understand another’s point of view, for us to experience a range of emotions. Feelings are essential for a full life—without them, we have little to no interest in even life itself which can have terrible outcomes for ourselves and others.
But if we are led by them, we can become enslaved by them. Think of it this way, say you were unfairly treated by a neighbor or a coworker, if you let your initial feelings about the situation run rampant (your hurt, betrayal, or whatever emotion springs from that situation) then they can fester into bitterness, anger, and hatred which will spill over into the rest of your life. Addiction is another way we can be enslaved by feelings. Alcohol, drugs, gambling can create feelings of euphoria that we can’t live without and one taste can lead to a lifetime of trying to experience the feeling again.
However, when we choose to control the power feelings have over us by confronting them with God’s truth, we can begin the transformation into Christ-likeness. Then the feelings we experience will be rooted in the fruit of the spirit, love, joy, peace will manifest as patience, goodness, faithfulness, kindness and self-control. Just like Jesus.
So how do we get there? If your feelings of hatred, anger, betrayal and the like stem from a wounding from another person, then forgive that person. It doesn’t matter if they’re still alive, long dead, or just out of reach. Forgiving them isn’t for them. It’s for you. Write them a letter and don’t send it. Talk to them out loud even if they’re aren’t present. There’s no need for them to say “I’m sorry” or take responsibility for their actions. The act of forgiveness is enough. Over time the original feelings will be replaced with peace. Maybe even love and joy.
If your feelings have led to an addiction, find an addiction counselor—preferably a Christian—who will understand your struggles and offer you coping mechanism and techniques to use.
If your feelings are out of control and you fly off the handle at the simplest act or even cry at every sad commercial or story, then pray. Ask God to help you see the truth in the action or story. Don’t allow your emotions to run your life. You have authority. You can choose to bring them into submission to God’s truth. So choose.
This is Felicia Ferguson. Thanks for listening to Christian Mix 106.
