Lessons

Emotions. As humans, we deal with emotion every day. There are times perhaps when you would like to get rid of your emotions and lead an easier life. The fact is we cannot get rid of our emotions, we have to learn to deal with the good and the bad ones. When you think of God do you think of an emotional being? The fact is God demonstrates He has many emotions and shows them in His relationship with mankind. If God has emotions then it is safe to say that emotions are not automatically considered sinful. God gave us insight into this in a conversation with Cain in Gen 4:6-7 (KJV) “And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.” It appears Cain was angry but God told him sin was at the door. It was up to Cain to let “sin” in and have dominion over him. Later in Ephesians 4:26-27 (KJV), we’re instructed “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” We even learn that God hates as it’s explained in Proverbs 6:16-19. So then, certain emotions can put us in a situation to sin but if handled correctly, are not a sin in themselves. Emotions can be defined from a worldly or heavenly perspective. Which emotions are good ones and which emotions are bad? There is plenty of scripture to instruct us as Christians which ones we should dwell on and which ones we should put to death. As Galatians 5:19-25 (KJV) tells us there are fruits of the flesh and fruits of the spirit. Further, in Ephesians 5:8-9 (KJV), we’re told “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)” The audio lesson on Sept 26, 2004 discusses emotions and how they fit in the life of a Christian. Click here to listen now. There is a handout available as well.