What Does The Bible Say About Our Emotions?

Emotions are an integral part of the human experience. From joy and love to fear and anger, our emotions play a significant role in how we relate to God, ourselves, and others. As complex and unpredictable as our emotions can sometimes feel, the Bible provides valuable guidance on understanding and managing them in a way that honors God. Emotions are a God-given part of our nature, and throughout Scripture, we see various examples of how they are expressed, both in positive and challenging ways. So, what does the Bible say about our emotions, and how can we navigate them in a healthy, God-honoring manner?

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What Does The Bible Say About Our Emotions?

1. God Created Us with Emotions

First things first, you need to know that having emotions is not wrong or sinful. God created human beings with the capacity to feel. Emotions are not a result of sin but a reflection of God’s design.

Genesis 1:27, says “God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (NKJV)

This means that our ability to feel emotions—whether joy, sorrow, anger, or compassion—is a reflection of God’s image in us. Because emotions are part of how God designed us, they are not inherently wrong or sinful. What matters is how we respond to and manage our emotions.

2. God Himself Experiences Emotions.

If we experience emotions and the Bible says we were created in God’s image, it means that God also experiences emotions. And we see it throughout the Bible!

God experiencing love

Jeremiah 31:3 The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. (NKJV)

God experiencing anger

Psalm 7:11 God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day. (NKJV)

God experiencing grief

Genesis 6:6 And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. (NKJV)

3. The Bible Shows A Range Of Emotions.

Feelings are a very natural part of life. That’s why the Bible doesn’t shy away from showing the full spectrum of human emotions, from deep sorrow to ecstatic joy.

Related Post: 20 Emotions Found In The Bible

David expressed his different emotions throughout the Psalms.

He experienced deep joy and praise:

Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (NKJV)

He experienced anguish and fear:

Psalm 13:1 How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? (NKJV)

Jesus also expressed various emotions throughout the gospels.

He experienced sadness.

John 11:35 Jesus wept. (NKJV)

He experienced anger.

John 2:15-16 When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” (NKJV)

He experienced compassion.

Matthew 9:36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. (NKJV)

4. Emotions Can Help Us Draw Near to God

Emotions can be a powerful means of drawing us closer to God.

Feelings of awe and wonder can lead to worship, while grief or sorrow can push us toward seeking God’s comfort and strength.

Psalm 34:18, The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. (NKJV)

This shows us that when we experience sorrow, grief, or pain, God is not far from us. In fact, He draws near to us in our emotional struggles, offering His presence as a source of healing.

5. God Invites Us To Bring Our Emotions To Him.

No matter what emotion we may feel, the Bible encourages us to bring our emotions to God and to trust Him with them.

Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (NKJV)

6. Being Controlled By Emotions Can Be Dangerous.

While emotions are a gift from God, they can also become harmful when they control us rather than when we control them. The Bible warns against letting our emotions, especially negative ones like anger or fear, govern our actions. Being controlled by emotions can lead to impulsive decisions, sin, and spiritual weakness. Instead, the Bible encourages us to trust in God and allow the Holy Spirit to guide our emotions.

Controlling Our Emotions

God wants us to exercise self-control over our emotions rather than being impulsive.

Proverbs 29:11 A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back. (NKJV)

Controlling Anger

While anger is a valid emotion, the Bible instructs us to handle it carefully, that way that emotion does not lead us to sin.

Ephesians 4:26-27 Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. (NKJV)

Controlling Fear

Although fear is a very natural emotion, God encourages us to fight against this emotion as it can paralyze us and hinder our faith.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (NKJV)

7. God Offers Comfort In Emotional Struggles

God is not indifferent to our emotional struggles. He sees, He feels, and He understands. That’s why throughout the Bible, God is depicted as a loving and compassionate Father who cares deeply for His children. So, in times of emotional distress, we are invited to turn to God for comfort.

Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (NKJV)

Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (NKJV)

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in comforting us.

John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name,He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

8. We Can Develop Emotional Maturity Through God’s Word

Emotional maturity involves recognizing, processing, and expressing emotions in a healthy, God-honoring way.

Self-control is key to emotional maturity. Being able to control our emotions, especially negative ones like anger, demonstrates spiritual strength.

Proverbs 16:32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. (NKJV)

The Bible encourages us to live in emotional health by focusing on things that promote spiritual and emotional well-being.

Philippians 4:8 says, Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (NKJV)

By focusing on things that are good and praiseworthy, we can cultivate positive emotions and a peaceful mind.

Final Thoughts

Emotions are a God-given part of our humanity, and the Bible provides guidance on how to navigate them in a healthy way. While emotions can be a source of great joy and connection, they can also lead us astray if not managed properly. I hope you enjoyed reading this post on what the Bible says about emotions! As always, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

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What Does The Bible Say About Our Emotions?

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