Emotional Awareness
Understanding the Role of Emotions in Your Faith and Life
As a Christian counselor, a busy mom of three, and a passionate advocate for emotional well-being, I understand that emotions can sometimes feel like a complicated puzzle. Most American Christians, if they’re being honest, wrestle with understanding the role of emotions in their faith and daily lives. Have you ever asked yourself, Are emotions bad? Are they good? Are they sinful? Am I supposed to control them? Why can’t I control them?—I’ve been there too.
I’ve had clients share the same doubts, and I’ve seen firsthand how our childhood experiences, cultural expectations, and even church teachings can shape how we view our emotional selves. Many of us don’t really know what to do with our emotions. We may feel embarrassed by them, try to push them away, bottle them up, or even think they don’t have a place in our Christian walk. But as I’ve studied the science of human emotions and deepened my understanding of Scripture, I’ve come to realize how crucial emotions are—not just in our lives, but in our relationship with God.
Let me share some of the key takeaways I’ve learned that I believe will help you better understand the role emotions play in your life:
1) Our Emotional Makeup is Part of God's Design
God created us as whole beings, and that includes our emotions. We are emotional creatures by design, and our emotions are part of who we are. They’re not a flaw or something to be ashamed of; they’re a gift from God, meant for our good and His glory. Emotions give us a deeper connection to God’s creation and help us relate to others with empathy and compassion. They can draw us closer to Him when we allow them to serve their intended purpose.
2) Our Emotions Have Been Impacted by Sin
While emotions are part of God's good design, just like every other aspect of humanity, they’ve been impacted by the fall. The brokenness of sin has affected our emotional well-being. We may experience emotions like anger, fear, guilt, and sadness in ways that are distorted or unhealthy. But this doesn’t mean our emotions are inherently sinful—it simply means we need to learn how to understand God’s intention for them, learn to regulate them, and align them with God’s Word, just like we need to bring every other part of our lives under the Lordship of Christ.
3) Our Emotions Are Intended to Glorify God
In the same way our intellect, will, and actions are intended to glorify God, so too our emotions are intended to glorify God. Emotions, when properly directed, can help us grow spiritually. Gratitude and joy can lead us to worship God. Grief can bring us closer to God in times of trial and loss. Anger can create in us a longing for God’s justice and righteousness. In this sense, our emotions are not an obstacle to holiness, but a tool that God can use for His purposes. The key is learning to recognize the source of our emotions God’s purpose for them.
4) Our Emotions Aide in Our Ability Navigate the World
Emotions are necessary for our protection and survival. Imagine a mother sensing danger and feeling a rush of fear to protect her children, or someone experiencing grief after the loss of a loved one. Emotions help us process our experiences and respond to situations that require action or reflection. Knowing what we feel and why we feel it is essential for our mental health and emotional well-being. If you’re struggling with emotional numbness or confusion, it’s worth taking the time to reflect on your emotions and what they might be trying to tell you.
5) Emotional Regulation Depends on Relationship
The ability to regulate our emotions is deeply connected to relationship—both with God and with others. As a counselor, I’ve seen that the key to emotional well-being lies not in the absence of emotions, but in learning how to recognize and respond to them in a healthy, productive way. This process isn’t done well in isolation. It happens within the context of community—with God and others who can offer wisdom, accountability, and support. Our relationship with God teaches us how to view our emotions through the lens of truth, while our relationships with others help us process, validate, and express those emotions in a safe, constructive environment.
CONCLUSION
As believers, we are called to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30), and part of doing this is being mindful of the emotions God has created within us. Emotions are a gift, allowing us to experience the depth of God's love, grace, and even His discipline. However, they can also be overwhelming and damaging if not properly understood and utilized. By regularly checking in with our hearts and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can learn to align our emotions with God's Word and His will for our lives (Psalm 139:23-24).
Taking time to reflect on our feelings not only brings us closer to understanding ourselves, but also helps us to respond to life's challenges with wisdom and grace, just as Christ did. In times of joy, sorrow, anger, or peace, we can turn to God, trusting that He knows us fully and desires to help us navigate our emotional responses and life stressors in a way that honors Him.
To help you in this process, we’ve created a free "Emotion Check-In Worksheet" that will guide you in pausing, praying, and reflecting on your emotions through a biblical lens. This tool will help you invite the Lord into your emotional journey, allowing you to grow in emotional health while staying rooted in faith.
Check out our free Emotion Check-In Worksheet below.
Emotion Check-In (Page One of Two)
Emotion Check-In (Page Two of Two)
These resources are not intended to replace professional counseling services. If you are in need of counseling support or mental health services, please reach out to a counselor in your area.
