Commanded to Feel!

We often spend so much time "working out our salvation" to keep the commandments that we tend to ignore that God commands other things, like certain emotions. Self-control, for example, is about as popular as a root canal, but there's a serious requirement for believers to exercise it. After all, it is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:23). And according to the apostle Peter, God pretty much expects us to exercise self-control (2 Pet 1:5-6). We are also to be sober minded, reasonable, sensible, exercising good judgment.


John Piper has accurately pointed out that the Bible commands all kinds of emotions, including the divine imperative to be joyful or to rejoice (Phil 4:4), to forgive from the heart (Matt 18:35), to love one another (Rom 12:10) and even to mourn! (James 4:9) So next time you're at a funeral, remember that we are told to "be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep" (Rom 12:15).

Scripture reveals God as an emotional being who feels--a Person. Check the following texts from the NIV:

• The Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain (Gen. 6:6).
• My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused (Hosea 11:8). 
• [Jesus] began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, 'My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death' (Matt 26:37-38).
• [Jesus] looked around them in anger and, deeply distressed (Mark 3:5).
• Jesus was full of joy through the Holy Spirit (Luke 10:21).

Reflect on the implications of our God feeling. God feels. You feel.

At the very least, the call of discipleship includes experiencing our feelings, reflecting on our feelings, and then thoughtfully responding to our feelings under the Lordship of Jesus.

Here's my prayer for you: Dear God, thank you that you are a God who feels deeply and that you created us with deep feelings too. Help us to own our feelings and learn to express them in ways that bring honor to you. Amen.
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Marcel Schwantes is a professional certified Life Coach, Trainer and Speaker. He coaches and trains individuals, groups and organizations across the country in the areas of spiritual leadership, communication and relationships. He can be reached at www.marcelcoaching.com