Thoughts on Emotions
In last week’s blog I stated that we would be exploring thoughts on various mental health subjects as they relate to the Bible. As Solomon stated, “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). The things that we struggle with today, in some shape, form, or fashion have been around since the beginning of time. I know there are certain devices that have obviously been around for less than 100 years (computers, phones, etc) and those things allow for few temptations and complications to life, but the temptations and subsequent sins that may result are similar to those that have been here since the very beginning. In the book of Genesis alone we find jealousy and anger, cheating and murder, fear and struggles. All parts of life then. All very much a part of life now.
The basic emotions that people dealt with in the beginning are being dealt with now. In the first four chapters of the Bible alone, mankind would experience loneliness (2:20), excitement (2:23), shame (3:7-10), and anger (4:6). As the Scripture progresses, more emotions are explored. A brief overview of some of the books of the Old Testament gives you an idea of the emotions you might face. The book of Lamentations carries a description of someone in mourning within the title. Song of Solomon or Song of Songs is quickly identified as the joyous song of those in love. Psalms explores anger, sadness, gladness, doubt, fear, confusion, and just about anything else. Ecclesiastes is more somber as it struggles to find meaning, while Job faces extreme guilt, depression, and doubt. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Are emotions good or evil? Anger is condemned in Scripture so many assume that it is off limits in every way. The reality is that emotions just are. They do not have inherent moral value. They are just an indicator of what is occurring within our heart and mind. They tell us something. They reveal to us that there is something pleasant or something painful happening to us. Like a thermometer, they simply relay to us what is happening—the emotional temperature.
So why verses that seem to condemn anger? It’s important to first note that Jesus became angry—he flipped over tables in the Temple (Matthew 21:12-17). God was angry at the world by chapter 6 of Genesis. If God and Jesus are sinless then it stands to reason that anger itself is not sinful. It is simply an emotion that is experienced. Jesus’ anger was over people taking advantage of others. God’s anger was always about the sin of man and/or the mistreatment of those around them.
So, emotions are just that—they are indicators. The key is to let them remain the thermometer and not allow them to become the thermostat—the thing that controls what is happening. Emotions are a tool and are not intended to be allowed to be the thing in charge. If emotions are in the driver’s seat then it’s important to take steps to regain control. Listen to the simple words spoken to the first man who fully lost control of his temper:
“Why are you angry, and why is your expression downcast? Is it not true that if you do what is right, you will be fine? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. It desires to dominate you, but you must subdue it” (Genesis 4:6-7).
He did not subdue it, and as a result the name Cain lives on in infamy. Many years later James would say, “for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness” (1:20). Emotions have their benefits, but they often require self-control and discipline to keep them in check.
Ben