My Counsel: UNDERSTANDING YOUR EMOTIONS BIBLICALLY
My dear friend,
I want you to know first that what you are feeling is real—and it matters. The Bible never pretends that emotions don’t exist. You are not weak because you feel deeply. However, Scripture lovingly teaches us that emotions must be managed, not allowed to manage us.
Emotions are God-given, but because of our human nature, they are closely tied to the flesh—the part of us that reacts instinctively, emotionally, and sometimes contrary to the leading of the Holy Spirit. This is why you may notice an inner struggle within you. It’s not unusual; it’s spiritual reality.
The Bible explains it clearly in Galatians 5:16–17:
> “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh…”
This means there will be moments when your feelings pull you in one direction while God’s Spirit is leading you in another. Emotions like anger, fear, bitterness, envy, offense, self-pity, or uncontrolled desire are often reactions to situations, not instructions from God. If they are left unchecked, they can cloud your judgment, weaken your resolve, and lead you into decisions you may later regret.
That is why Scripture encourages believers to deal with the flesh, not ignore it:
> “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” (Galatians 5:24)
The word affections speaks directly to emotional attachments and impulses. This does not mean you should suppress your emotions or pretend you are fine when you are not. Rather, it means you must submit your emotions to God’s truth instead of letting them take control.
The Bible also warns us in Jeremiah 17:9:
> “The heart is deceitful above all things…”
This reminds us that emotions can feel convincing and still be misleading. Something can feel right and yet be wrong. That is why God calls us to walk by faith, not by feelings (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith is anchored in God’s Word; feelings often shift with circumstances.
So, dealing with your emotions in a healthy, biblical way means:
Acknowledging how you feel, without letting those feelings rule your actions
Submitting your emotions to God’s Word in prayer and reflection
Renewing your mind, so truth—not pressure or pain—guides your responses (Romans 12:2)
Depending on the Holy Spirit to develop self-control, which is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23)
Let me encourage you with this: maturity does not mean you stop feeling. It means you learn how to feel deeply and still obey God faithfully. When emotions are ruled by the Spirit, they become helpers; when they are left unchecked, they become masters.
You are not failing because you feel overwhelmed—you are growing as you learn to bring those feelings under God’s control. Give yourself grace, stay honest before God, and allow His Spirit to lead you gently into emotional and spiritual stability.
Pastor/Counselor,
Wale-Rich Oladunjoye