Do Feelings and Emotions in the Bible matter Today?

Emotions are a big part of being human, and the Bible is full of stories that show us how people felt in different situations. Whether they were sad, happy, angry, or scared, the Bible characters experienced it all. Let's take a closer look at some of these stories and what we can learn from them.

In the Bible, we meet people like Jacob, Hannah, and David, who went through tough times but also felt great joy and knew personally that peace of God. The Psalms are full of songs and prayers that express positive emotions like joy and gratitude. They teach us that it's important to thank God for the good things in our lives and to celebrate His love and faithfulness. But in their verses we also see the anger of man, the desires of the flesh and deep grief.

The Bible shows us that it's okay to feel emotion of anger. People like Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Jesus felt angry when they saw injustice or wrongdoing. Their stories remind us that it's important to stand up for what's right and to speak out against things that are wrong that we see in our daily life.

Jesus himself experienced a wide range of emotions, from sadness to compassion. He showed us that it's okay to feel our emotions and that God is always there to comfort us and help us through difficult times.

So as we read through the stories in the Bible, let's remember that it's okay to feel whatever we're feeling. And let's also remember that God is always there for us, no matter what emotions we're going through.

The Bible is not just a book of God's truth and God's word – it also captures the full range of different emotions experienced by human beings. From the valleys of sorrow and despair to the mountaintops of joy and wonder, the Bible shows us how emotional beings walked through hard times while seeking God's presence.

When we read about Jacob, we see the deep sorrow of heart he felt when he thought his son Joseph was dead. But then we also witness his overwhelming positive emotions, his joy and elation, when Joseph was revealed to be alive. The Bible doesn't shy away from portraying Jacob's emotional rollercoaster.

Hannah experienced years of negative feelings and bad feelings because she could not bear children. But when God answered her prayers, her heart overflowed with gratitude – the Bible recounts her joyful song of praise to the Lord.

King David knew profound grief after his son Absalom died, lamenting "O my son!" Yet the same David also wrote many psalms expressing his trust in God's wisdom during life's difficulties. The Bible shows David's whole range of emotions.

From Old Testament figures like Jacob, Hannah, and David to New Testament figures like Jesus' disciple Peter, the Bible gives us a window into how God's people worked through different emotions. It doesn't brush over the negative feelings, but it also doesn't glorify them. Instead, it invites us to feel our emotions while anchoring ourselves in God's truth.

The book of Psalms doesn't just contain God's word - it is filled with expressions of positive emotions toward God. The psalmists let their hearts overflow with joy, gratitude, and praise when thinking about the Lord's love and faithfulness.

Many psalms call us to express emotion through singing and shouting joyfully to God. Psalm 100 invites all human beings to "make a joyful noise" and "come into his presence with singing" (100:1-2). The writers of the psalms showed that vocalizing positive emotions is part of worshiping our Creator.

The psalms are also full of thankfulness for who God is. The writers expressed gratitude for his "steadfast love" and "faithfulness" day and night (Psalm 92:2). No matter their circumstances, they chose to have a cheerful attitude focused on God's unfailing love.

When reading the psalms, we see human beings rejoicing over God's salvation and protection. Psalm 98 exclaims, "Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellous things!" (98:1). The psalmists' positive emotions flowed from meditating on the Lord's mighty acts.

Throughout this poetic book, we encounter honest emotional responses to God's goodness and presence. The psalms model for us what it looks like to feel and express positive emotions like joy, gratitude, and praise from a whole heart. As we spend time studying god's truth in the psalms, may we too be inspired to worship God with authentic, positive emotional expression.

While the Bible contains many joyful expressions of positive emotions towards God, it does not shy away from the painful reality of human suffering and negative feelings. The biblical writers give an unvarnished look at the depths of grief, despair, and sorrow that can afflict the human soul. Their stark and powerful accounts remind us that even God's people experience profound negative emotions during hard times.

One of the most vivid biblical portraits of grief is found in the book of Lamentations. The prophet Jeremiah lays bare his anguish over the destruction of Jerusalem with gut-wrenching transparency. He expresses being plunged into utter darkness, lamenting "I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of his wrath" (Lamentations 3:1). Jeremiah's words capture the desolation of immense loss - losing not just the beloved city, but any sense of God's presence. His outpouring of sorrow gives voice to the depths human beings can descend into when negative emotions take hold.

The book of Job also does not sugar-coat the realities of suffering and despair. As Job grapples with unimaginable pain and loss, he cries out with shocking emotional honesty "Why is light given to him who is in misery, and life to the bitter in soul, who long for death?" (Job 3:20). Job's words express a wish to escape this world entirely, revealing just how overwhelming negative emotions like misery and bitterness of soul can become. The biblical text does not flinch from recording his blunt expression of a desire for death over continuing life in such anguish.

Other passages capture more specific experiences of profound grief and sadness. The Psalms record the soulful cries of those who feel utterly abandoned, like Psalm 88's lament: "O Lord, God of my salvation, I cry out day and night before you...incline your ear to my cry!" (Psalm 88:1-2). The forlorn plea expresses the sorrow of one who feels as though even God has turned away during their hour of deepest need. Jeremiah depicts the inconsolable grief of mothers who have lost children, recording Rachel's "bitter weeping...she refuses to be comforted for her children" (Jeremiah 31:15).

Through all these examples, the Bible presents an uncompromising look at the darkness of negative human emotions. It shows God's people struggling with the raw realities of suffering, grief, despair, and anguish. Yet in giving voice to these powerful feelings, the biblical writers remind those who grieve that their negative emotions are not unnoticed by God. Even when His presence feels distant, the cries and tears of human suffering do not go unheard by the One who created emotional beings in His own image.

When we talk about emotions, we can sometimes think that only positive, happy emotions are allowed. But the Bible has some important things to teach us about negative emotions too, including anger.

The prophet Jeremiah expressed righteous anger at the wickedness of his people, lamenting, "O Lord, you have deceived me, and I was deceived; you are stronger than I, and you have prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all the day; everyone mocks me" (Jeremiah 20:7). Jeremiah's strong emotions and fits of anger stemmed from his deep love for God's word and frustration at seeing it rejected.

Similarly, Ezekiel condemned the false prophets of his day with scathing words, declaring, "Because you have disheartened the righteous falsely, although I have not grieved him, and you have encouraged the wicked, that he should not turn from his way to save his life" (Ezekiel 13:22). Ezekiel's anger was fuelled by his zeal for God's truth and his concern for the spiritual well-being of the people.

The prophet Amos, too, expressed the emotion of anger at the injustice and oppression of the poor, proclaiming, "Therefore because you trample on the poor and you exact taxes of grain from him, you have built houses of hewn stone, but you shall not dwell in them" (Amos 5:11). Amos' anger was rooted in his passion for righteousness of God and his desire to see justice prevail.

Even Jesus Christ, the embodiment of perfect love and peace, displayed righteous anger when he encountered corruption in the temple. The Bible recounts how "he made a whip of cords and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables" (John 2:15). Jesus' anger was directed at those who were exploiting and dishonouring the house of God.

While the Bible cautions against the danger of unrighteous anger and the importance of exercising self-control, it also acknowledges that there is a place for righteous indignation, particularly when it is fuelled by a love for God's ways and a desire to see justice and truth prevail. The key is to express anger in a healthy way, guided by the wisdom of God's word, rather than allowing it to lead to sinful behaviour or actions.

The Gospel accounts portray Christ Jesus as a whole person, experiencing the full range of human emotions. When Jesus' dear friend Lazarus died, he wept openly, his sorrow evident to all (John 11:35). The Bible telling us that "Jesus wept," demonstrating his capacity for deep grief and emotional connection.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, as Jesus prepared to face the cross, he experienced anguish and distress. The Scriptures record that "he began to be sorrowful and troubled" (Matthew 26:37), and he cried out to God, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death" (Matthew 26:38). Jesus did not suppress or deny his negative emotions but honestly expressed them, even as he chose to submit to the will of God, his heavenly father.

Despite the immense suffering he endured at the hands of his persecutors, Jesus responded with remarkable compassion. As he hung on the cross, Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). In the midst of his agony, he demonstrated the fruit of the Spirit – love, kindness, and forgiveness.

Through His example, Jesus shows us that it is natural and permissible to experience the full spectrum of human emotions, from joy and peace to sorrow and distress. He did not shy away from expressing his emotional responses but channelled them in a healthy way, always seeking to align his heart with God's heart.

At the same time, Jesus exemplified the power of the Holy Spirit to bring comfort, strength, and wisdom in the midst of life's emotional rollercoasters. He consistently turned to God in prayer, finding solace and guidance in his intimate relationship with the Father.

As we strive to follow in Christ's footsteps, we can find encouragement in his example. We are called to be authentic emotional beings, honestly acknowledging our feelings while also seeking to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit. With God's wisdom and the support of trusted friends, we can learn to express our emotions in a healthy manner, always anchored in the love, peace, and truth that flow from God's presence.

Our emotions are God-given, woven into the fabric of our humanity. The Bible gives many examples of different emotions in the stories of human experience.

In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus paints a vivid picture of the emotional rollercoaster that can accompany sin and repentance. The prodigal's regret over his foolish choices is palpable, while the father's joy at his son's return overflows in lavish celebration (Luke 15:11-32). This story teaches us about the powerful emotions of remorse and restoration.

The parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) explores the emotion of envy. Those hired early in the day grew resentful when the landowner generously paid the late-arriving workers the same wage. Jesus' teaching challenges us to let go of feelings of entitlement and embrace God's grace with gratitude.

Pride and humility are contrasted in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14). The Pharisee's prideful boasting stands in stark contrast to the tax collector's humble acknowledgment of his sinfulness. This story invites self-reflection on our own attitudes and emotional responses before God.

Perhaps one of the most well-known parables is that of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), a powerful illustration of compassion. While others turned a blind eye to the suffering of the man left for dead, the Samaritan was moved with empathy, translating his emotion into tangible acts of kindness.

Through these stories, Jesus invites us to examine our own emotional responses and align our hearts with God's heart. He reminds us that both positive and negative emotions have a purpose, and that we are called to steward them wisely, guided by God's wisdom and truth.

A lot of the New Testament letters we have today were written by the apostle Paul. In his letters, we see his emotions run the full gamut. We can learn a lot from the emotional honesty and depth he displays.

Even in the midst of affliction and hardship, Paul experienced joy and comfort. In his letter to the Corinthians, he wrote, "I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction" (2 Corinthians 7:4). He found solace in the fellowship of trusted friends, noting, "God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus" (2 Corinthians 7:6).

Paul also expressed deep gratitude for the faith of his spiritual children, like Timothy. He wrote, "I thank God whom I serve...when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you" (2 Timothy 1:3-5). Despite his trials, Paul's heart overflowed with thankfulness for those who shared his love for God's truth.

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul laid bare his conflicting emotions of joy and sorrow. He rejoiced that Christ was being proclaimed, yet grieved that some preached with impure motives (Philippians 1:18). He longed to depart and be with Christ, yet knew it was better to remain for the sake of the church (Philippians 1:23-26).

Paul's love for his spiritual children was evident in his emotional expressions of longing. To the Thessalonians, he wrote, "But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavoured the more eagerly...to see your face" (1 Thessalonians 2:17-18). His affection for them was palpable.

Through his letters, we see Paul as a whole person – an emotional being who experienced the full range of human emotions, yet anchored his emotional responses in the truth of God's word and the power of the Holy Spirit. His transparency invites us to embrace our own emotional journeys with honesty and wisdom.

We can learn a lot from reading about how biblical characters handled emotions, both what to do and what not to do. Their stories leave an emotional legacy that can guide us in our own journeys.

Joseph's life was marked by immense hurt and betrayal at the hands of his brothers. Yet, when reunited years later, Joseph chose the path of forgiveness and reconciliation rather than bitterness or vengeance. He reassured his brothers, "Do not fear...You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:19-20). Joseph's ability to let go of negative emotions left a powerful legacy.

King David, though deeply flawed, also displayed profound emotional depth, particularly in his laments. Upon the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, David poured out his sorrow in a moving poem, saying "I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan" (2 Samuel 1:26). His willingness to express emotion provides an enduring model.

The apostle Paul's life exemplified emotional investment in his spiritual children. At his parting from the Ephesian elders, the Bible states "there was much weeping...as they embraced Paul and kissed him" (Acts 20:37-38). Paul's tears revealed the depth of his love and his impact.

In Hebrews 11, often called the "Hall of Faith", we see the lasting impact of biblical figures' emotional journeys. Though imperfect, they trusted God amidst fear, grief, and uncertainty. Their emotional legacy reminds us that faith is forged in the crucible of life's challenges.

From Joseph and David to Paul and the heroes of faith, the emotional lives of biblical characters teach us powerful lessons. They show the importance of emotional honesty before God, the wisdom of letting go of bitterness, and the richness that comes from godly investments in relationships. Their struggles and triumphs encourage us to navigate our own emotional terrain with faith, integrity, and steadfastness.

The Bible is not just a book of rules and stories—it's also a treasure trove of human emotion. From the depths of sorrow to the heights of joy, the characters in the Bible experienced it all. Their stories teach us that it's okay to feel our emotions, whatever they may be, and that God is always there to comfort us and guide us through life's ups and downs.

As we journey through the pages of Scripture, we are reminded of the importance of emotional honesty and vulnerability before God. We learn from the psalmists to express our joys and sorrows openly, knowing that God hears our cries and rejoices with us in our triumphs. We are inspired by the prophets to stand up against injustice and to channel our anger into righteous action. And we are encouraged by Jesus' example to approach life's challenges with compassion, grace, and unwavering trust in God's plan.

Ultimately, the emotional legacy of the Bible characters serves as a timeless reminder that we are not alone in our feelings. God understands our hearts better than anyone else, and He invites us to bring our emotions to Him in prayer, knowing that He will always meet us with love, understanding, and grace. So let us embrace our emotions, just as the people of the Bible did, and let us find comfort and strength in the unchanging truth of God's word.