Emotional Health

Emotions are an intangible part of our existence. That is to say, unlike our body, which we can see and touch, our emotions have no material substance. Yet we would all agree that though they have no physical characteristics our emotions are real and formidable. In fact, our emotions have such a power and presence that they can often lead us to do things that we would not ordinarily do. Sometimes, our emotions can take over our rational faculties and drive us to do things that we later regret. They are a potent force in our lives and they need the transforming power of the Gospel applied to them by the Holy Spirit in order that they might more and more bring glory to God.

For me the most concise statement of what the Lord has in mind for our emotions (at least as it relates to our interactions with one another) is Paul’s instruction for us to “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Captured by these words is an ability to unselfishly enter into the life of another.

Too often we struggle when someone else has had that which has caused him or her to rejoice come into his or her life. Our ability to enter into another’s joy can be tempered by jealously, or envy, or a lack of appreciation as to just why they are as happy as they are at the turn of events. Similarly, we often hold ourselves back from another’s sorrow and disappointment. We are too quick to urge them to get over it or blithely offer our spiritual interpretation of the tragedy that has occurred. In such tragic times we need to be able to move beyond our own thresholds and offer comfort, not suggestions.

Jesus is the most emotionally stable, emotionally appropriate person who has ever walked the face of the earth. He defines normality. The Holy Spirit dwells in the believer in order to transform that one more and more into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). We can be confident, therefore, that in the places where our emotions need growth and healing the Spirit is at work to make us more and more “normal.” Our goal is to be able to engage life and respond to all that it has to offer with the appropriate emotion in an appropriate way -- rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep.