Feelings are not facts, living by faith, women facing woods

What does the Bible say about feelings? A truth that has anchored me in troubled waters is this: feelings are not facts. Even in our deepest emotions, we must remember that our feelings, while real, don’t always mirror God’s unchanging truths.

In my own struggles, I often ponder, “What does the Bible say about feelings?” The Word reminds us that God is a God of peace, not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). Our feelings may stir up storms, but His promise of peace guides us through.

Remember, sisters, our emotional storms don’t define us. It’s God’s steadfast love and His truth that anchor us. No matter how we feel, His Word and His love remain unshakeable.

What does the bible say about feelings? Let us take a look below. 

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Table Of Contents
  1. What Does The Bible Say About Feelings And Emotions
  2. Emotions In The Bible
  3. Why did God give us our emotions?
  4. Are Feelings Reliable
  5. How do you live by faith and not by feelings alone?
  6. Need help focusing during your prayer time?
  7. Pin this article on "what does the Bible say about feelings" for later!

What Does The Bible Say About Feelings And Emotions

What does the bible say about feelings? Every single one of us has experienced a burst of emotion. It can be triggered by a moment of intense excitement, or it can come from a deep and overwhelming sadness. 

We can become consumed by our feelings, and we may stop thinking logically. Emotion can be a very powerful thing, but it can also be a dangerous thing. 

When we let our feelings control us, we may sometimes start to believe that our feelings are facts. Are our feelings facts?

Feelings and emotions are apart of us; they can be very uplifting, motivational, and fun and yet very dark, broken, and sometimes evil.

The Bible provides many references and teachings about emotions and feelings, acknowledging their complexity and importance in our human experience. Here are a few key teachings:

  1. Emotions are Part of Being Human: Jesus, who was fully God and fully human, displayed a range of emotions throughout His life. He wept (John 11:35), felt deep compassion (Matthew 9:36), and experienced anguish (Matthew 26:38), indicating that feelings are a part of the human experience.
  2. Feelings Shouldn’t Rule Us: The Bible also teaches that while it’s natural and human to have emotions, they shouldn’t dictate our actions or beliefs. Proverbs 14:29 advises, “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”
  3. God is Our Refuge in Emotional Turmoil: The Psalms are full of raw emotional outpourings, yet they always return to the truth of God as our refuge and strength. For example, Psalm 56:3 says, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
  4. Love Above All: The greatest commandment is to love God and love others (Matthew 22:36-40). This is an emotional commitment, but it’s also a conscious decision, revealing that our actions should be guided by love, not transient feelings.
  5. Peace Amidst Emotional Storms: God offers peace that transcends understanding (Philippians 4:7). Even amidst emotional turmoil, we can find peace in God.

In essence, the Bible acknowledges our emotions but also guides us not to be ruled by them, instead encouraging us to find our peace and guidance in God’s enduring love and truth.

Emotions In The Bible

Emotions can be funny things. They allow us to feel and experience life in ways that we would not otherwise be able to. 

But they can also be dangerous and destructive, especially when they are not properly managed. 

We can use our emotions as tools to help us make decisions in life, but for the most part, we need to let God lead us. 

What does the Bible say about emotions?

The Bible talks a lot about emotions. In fact, the way that God designed us is to have emotions. Emotions are a big part of what makes us who we are. 

But the Bible also tells us that we need to control our feelings and emotions and not allow them to control us. They should be a guide, but not a leader. 

Our emotions can often betray us; the negative and harmful traits are part of our fallen nature. 

However, this does not mean that we should allow them to control our thoughts and actions. 

Rather, being aware of the fact that we naturally act upon how we feel is enough to help keep on track with what is actually true. 

Remember: emotions can be good, but if not careful they can sometimes lead us in the wrong direction, in other words – they try to trick us into thinking that certain situations are a way for us to go. 

That’s why Paul wrote in Romans 6:12 “don’t let sin run your life”.

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.

Romans 6:12

Let’s look at some Bible verses on emotions below.

What Does The Bible Say About Feelings

The Bible is filled with stories of people who made some very poor decisions based on their emotions. 

  • Jonah ran away from God and found himself in the belly of a whale. (Book of Jonah)
  • Samson let his raging emotions get the best of him and lost his strength and his eyesight. (Book of Judges)
  • David allowed his feelings of lust and desire to lead him to commit rape, adultery, and murder. (2 Samuel)

However, outside of any repentance that is shown, these stories are not examples of how we should live. 

The Bible is filled with stories of heroic faith. Of people who followed God even when they were scared, sad, or angry. 

God’s Word is filled with examples of people who put their feelings aside, followed God’s leading and trusted Him in difficult times.

Just because I may feel useless, hopeless, unlovable, and worthless doesn’t mean I am. This might seem obvious to some, but emotions can be convincing.

Recognize feelings for what they are: feelings; not facts, not the truth, not edicts.

What Does The Bible Say About Emotions? 

Living by the spirit and not allowing our feelings and emotions to lead us can be complicated to tackle. Especially if we are deeply hurt and need healing.

Our feelings can change at the drop of a hat, the tune of a song, or the embrace of a friend. Can we trust our feelings, allowing them to guide our decisions if they are so quickly changing?

Are they something to rule our lives? Are they something that should guide our decisions? Let’s see what the Bible says bout feelings.

“It’s not foreign to God for humans to have emotions in life, as Jesus famously wept in John 11:35 over the death of His friend Lazarus (who He later brought back to life). The Bible also regularly shares about when God and Jesus were angered by what people did on earth.

However, what does the Bible say about our emotions, primarily how best to handle those feelings we have in ways that are pleasing to God as well as to ourselves?

It is possible to manage these emotions God has gifted us in these bodies. But it is through understanding what emotions are and how we should act with that we are able to manage these unpredictable sensations properly.” Bible Study Tools

The Bible depicts a broad range of emotions, acknowledging their integral role in the human experience. Various characters and passages illustrate how these emotions can be expressed healthily and how they relate to our spiritual lives. Here are a few key examples:

  1. Joy: In Nehemiah 8:10, it is written: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” The Bible often encourages expressions of joy, particularly joy in the Lord, as a sign of spiritual well-being and gratitude.
  2. Love: One of the most dominant emotions in the Bible, love is exemplified in passages like 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the “Love Chapter.” It details how love is patient, kind, not envious or boastful, illustrating the ideal form of this emotion.
  3. Anger: The Bible recognizes anger but warns against letting it lead to sin. Ephesians 4:26 advises: “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”
  4. Fear: The Bible acknowledges fear but often counsels trust in God as an antidote. For example, Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
  5. Grief: The Bible recognizes the reality of grief. Jesus Himself wept at the death of his friend Lazarus (John 11:35). Yet, believers are comforted with hope, as in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, where Paul writes that we do not grieve like those who have no hope.
  6. Peace: The Bible often refers to peace, not merely as an emotion, but as a divine state gifted by God. Philippians 4:7 talks about “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding.”

These are just a few examples of how the Bible portrays emotions. They are seen as part of our human experience, but the scriptures also guide us on how to navigate them in a way that is in line with God’s will and righteousness.

Scripture On Managing Our Emotions

What does the bible say about emotions and feelings? Emotions are a complex thing. The bible recognizes that emotions are an important part of our functioning as humans, but we shouldn’t be lead by our emotions. 

The Bible provides numerous scriptures that guide us in managing our emotions. Here are a few key verses that offer wisdom and advice:

  1. Proverbs 16:32: “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” This verse advocates for patience and self-control as virtuous traits, particularly in managing anger or impatience.
  2. Ephesians 4:26-27: “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” This scripture acknowledges that anger is a natural emotion, but it instructs us not to act sinfully out of anger and to resolve our issues promptly.
  3. Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This passage reminds us to turn to prayer instead of becoming overwhelmed with worry or anxiety.
  4. Psalm 34:18: “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” In moments of emotional pain or sadness, this scripture offers comfort, reminding us of God’s nearness and care.
  5. 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” This verse encourages us to bring our worries to God, trusting in His love and care for us.
  6. Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.” These verses serve as a guide to the emotions and attitudes that should characterize our lives as followers of Christ.

These scriptures, among others, offer guidance on managing our emotions in a way that aligns with God’s teachings and character. They remind us of the importance of self-control, the comfort of God’s presence during emotional turmoil, and the power of turning to prayer in managing our emotional state.

What does the bible say about feelings