❓Do Feelings Matter?

What are my feelings in relation to God, other people and ourselves? 🤔

Your emotions matter! 💗

Jesus had them, too — he wept 😢, got angry 😠, and even celebrated at parties 🎉.

From the beginning, God created humans to feel things. Adam was so excited when he met Eve that he broke into song! 🎵

As Christians, we need to avoid two extremes: ↔️
1️⃣ The "just don't feel anything" approach (stereotypically "Lutheran") 🧊
2️⃣ The "if I feel good, God must be happy with me" approach (think televangelism) 🌈✨

The truth is somewhere in the middle. ⚖️

Your emotions are real and valid, but because of sin, they don't always point "true north." 🧭

You can be mad about things God isn't mad about, or love things God doesn't want you to love. ❤️‍🩹

The Psalms are full of emotions — from deep sadness to immense joy. 🥹

When you're feeling sad, you can pray a sad psalm. But notice how the Psalms usually end with hope in God's love and help. 🙏

Here's the good news: Christ not only had emotions, he redeemed them! ✝️

When you feel things . . .
☑️It's okay to feel them — God made you this way 👍
☑️ Check them against Scripture — emotions aren't your God 📖
☑️ Seek help when needed — from friends, pastors, or counselors 🤝

Sometimes you'll have to sit with difficult emotions for a while. ⏳

God's timing often feels terrible to us, but he provides promises to focus on and people to support you through those seasons. 🌦️

Learning to navigate your emotions is lifelong spiritual and emotional growth - emotional sanctification! 🌱

It's not easy, but it's worth it, like physical therapy after breaking a leg. 🦵💪

In the resurrection, your emotions will always point true north again. Until then, Christ gives you his Word to guide you, and forgiveness when you fail. 🌟

Contributor Deaconess Emma Heinz serves as the Registrar of Higher Things.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #emotions