The Role of Our Emotions

A couple of nights ago, I found myself in a state of annoyance and distress as illness had once again struck our entire family. The weight of the situation was wearing down on me, leading me to wallow in self-pity and allowing negativity to cloud my mood. However, amidst this emotional turmoil, a heartwarming scene unfolded in the background. While my husband tended to our daughters in the adjacent room, the sound of their laughter and playful banter reached my ears. At that moment, a shift occurred within me. I heard my eldest daughter affectionately expressing her love for her younger sister. It served as a significant reminder that even in the face of difficulties and obstacles, there is a deep source of love and happiness that can be found. This realization served as a wake-up call, prompting me to reassess my perspective on the situation. I recognized that I had been allowing my emotions to dictate my outlook, overshadowing the moments of happiness and connection that were present even in the midst of difficulty. I just needed to shift my mindset.

It is important to listen to our emotions for guidance, but they should never be the driving force. Just like Jesus wept, showing a raw display of grief and empathy, our emotions serve as a mirror to our innermost selves. Unlike Jesus, we are all imperfect beings, prone to making mistakes and errors in judgment. Our flawed nature often leads us to think in ways that may not be accurate or rational. What should concern us is not the existence of emotions, but rather the way in which we permit them to impact our behavior and convictions. Galatians 5:17, " For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do." Relying solely on our fleeting and sometimes erratic emotions can cloud our judgment and prevent us from making sound decisions. We need to make decisions based on what the Bible tells us, not on how we feel.

Jesus weeping serves as a poignant reminder that even in vulnerability, strength can be found. His tears were not a sign of weakness but a testament to the depth of his compassion and humanity. In the same vein, our tears do not symbolize defeat but could instead signify resilience and empathy. Just as Jesus' tears revealed the depth of his love and compassion, our tears can be a powerful expression of our own capacity to feel deeply and care genuinely for others.