Discipleship In Action – Part 4

What does the bible teach us about controlling our emotions?

Emotions are defined as the part of a person’s character that consists of strong feelings, as opposed to thoughts. In other words, emotions can become uncontrolled displayed reactions to momentary feelings, as opposed to well thought out decisions. The reason we often witness people’s swift and even explosive reactions to life’s challenges. 

What does the bible teach us about controlling our emotions? 

James 1:19 puts it this way: “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” In other words, we must think, evaluate, and always understand that we must control of our emotions as we carry the cross of Christ in our lives to the world. That’s why Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Ecclesiastes 7:9 add, “Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.” Obviously, if we let our emotions control our behavior, we are indeed fools, and in the process provide a shameful testimony for the Lord. 

Our solution is found in Ephesians 4:31-32, “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” 

What André Gourd started out as a daily message to his sons in 2019, has grown into daily messages to all who wish to receive them. While he didn’t have a clue he was to share these messages with the world, the Lord put on his heart in 2020 to do so. The purpose of his daily messages is to remind those of us who know Christ as Savior and Lord, that He is present in this world and in our lives. André desires to keep each one “Short and To The Point,” so you will take time to read them. They are NOT related to opinion. They simply “Point to Scripture.” He leaves us with a one sentence “Challenge thought” to help us live out our commitment to focus on Christ and live by His word. If you desire to read more of his scripture challenges you will find him at Christ At The Helm. 

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk