Referring to someone as emotional definitely has a negative connotation. It means unpredictable, sentimental or high-strung. But it could mean enthusiastic, affectionate or spontaneous. Emotions have been viewed with a certain distaste, it seems to me. So when I am told I have a large envelop of emotions, it doesn’t make me feel good. The reference seems demeaning or at least questionable. But what if I said Jesus was emotional? You might think I am irreverent. But what if I mean full of emotion? Obviously Jesus had an envelop of emotions when he walked the earth 2000 years ago. The Bible says he felt compassion, anger, disappointment, sadness, love, grief, etc. I guess emotions are normal, even necessary.
This may not seem like something I have to prove; emotions are necessary. But what if I were to say, “Emotions are a gift!” I think emotions help me understand how I am responding; what is going on inside my soul. They are like indicators on the dashboard of my heart. That makes them especially necessary, even valuable. But not all emotions are helpful. Some emotions reveal the shrinking of my soul. They expose my weakness; they show me my need. But that is also valuable. I have learned that even the heavy emotions I feel prepare me to want and need the emotions that fill and sustain me. Emotions like love, joy, peace and hope.
Proverbs 17:22 reads, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Maybe I need to feel the crushed emotions so I long for the blessing of joy and the fullness of hope. This Sunday I have the privilege of pointing to joy as it says in Nehemiah 8:10, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” I want what the Lord has to offer – JOY. That is sure to fill my envelop of emotion!
How do you understand emotions? I would love to hear your reply!
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