We live in a culture that is emotion-driven. We live emotion-driven lives. Too often we practice emotion-driven faith. If we are emotion-driven in life we will never find stability or experience that unmovable faith that cries out, “I know my Redeemer lives!” no matter what trial or circumstance we experience.
Still, an emotion-less life is not good either and emotion-less faith can become cold, uncaring, legalistic. In the Gospel of Mark we see Jesus, our High Priest, described as having all kinds of emotions; he was angered, filled with compassion, and deeply distressed to name just a few.
Christ Jesus, understands our emotions … “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.” [Heb 4:15 NLT]
So, is it emotion-driven or emotion-less? Neither. It’s realizing that we have redeemed-emotions. When Christ redeemed us, He did it completely, spirit, soul (mind-will-emotions) and yes, eventually a redeemed body. When our emotions are redeemed, they fall into the correct place in our lives. They no longer drive us, nor remain hidden. They follow.
Faith by grace fills our spirits. Our minds are made new through the work of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God which allows us to know His good and perfect will. Our wills cooperate with the Spirit and become obedient (sanctified) to God’s will. And our redeemed-emotions flow with praise, worship, delight, and joy beyond expression. Redeemed-emotions come alive with God’s compassion and love.
