What is an Emotion?
An
emotion
is
commonly
defined
as
a
feeling
of
joy,
sorrow,
fear,
anger,
love,
and
so
forth.
An
emotion
can
range
from
a
subliminal
and
unnoticeable
influence,
to
a
strong
feeling,
and
to
an
overwhelming
force.
In
addition,
an
emotion
can
arise
without
warning
and
forethought,
and
can
cause
one
to
behave
in
a
way
that
has
not
been
checked
(and
approved)
by
rational
thought.
As
such
(and
unfortunately)
there
are
times
when
our
emotions
completely
take
over
our
thoughts
and
actions
that
results in regrettable behavior.
Physiologically
(from
our
body’s
perspective),
the
experience
of
an
emotion
may
be
accompanied
by
internal
changes
such
as
an
increased
heart
rate,
increased
respiration,
and
hormonal
changes.
In
addition,
an
emotion
may
also
include
external
manifestations such as different facial expressions, crying, shaking, tightening of muscles, perspiration, and so forth.
The
design
of
our
body,
soul,
and
spirit
includes
emotions,
and
are
a
key
component
of
who
we
are
and
how
we
interact
with
the
world.
Psychologists
seem
to
agree
there
are
six
basic
emotions:
sadness,
anger,
disgust,
surprise,
fear
and
happiness.
In
addition, these emotions are innate (inborn, instinctive) and cross-cultural.
The
existence
of
these
emotional
types
has
been
reinforced
by
numerous
psychological
studies
of
infants.
For
example,
Discrete
Emotions
Theory
provides
evidence
that
infants
are
born
with
a
pre-wired
system
for
experiencing
emotions
according to a biologically-determined timetable.
As
an
infant
matures,
the
degree
a
child
will
express
an
emotion
may
be
influenced
by
parents,
family
members,
and
culture
via
positive and negative learning experiences.
As
we
grow
into
adults,
we
continue
to
experience
emotions
and continue to reveal emotions via our facial expressions.
Indicators
such
as
the
positioning
of
the
eyelids,
lips,
focus
of
the
eyes,
and
opening
of
the
mouth
can
provide
insight
into the emotional status; and may reveal the “inner workings” of the heart.
Positive
emotions
are
wonderful
to
experience.
Whereas
negative
emotions
can
be
painful
and
sometimes
excruciating.
What’s
more,
emotions
influence
our
perception
of
life
and
how
we
interact
with
others.
For
example,
look
back
in
time
and
consider
how
you
perceived
your
life
and
how
you
communicated
with
others
when
you
experienced
the
emotion
of
joy
and/or
love.
Now
consider
the
same
when
you
experienced
fear,
anger
or
sadness.
Each
emotion
is
akin
(and
a
common cliché) to looking at the world through different sets of colored glasses.
Emotional Awareness and Control
Some
persons
are
not
aware
of
their
emotions.
For
those
who
are
aware,
some
do
not
maintain
a
“pulse”
on
their
emotional
status
and
behavioral
response—which
is
difficult
to
do—especially
when
there
is
a
myriad
of
more
important
things
to
think
about
(and
accomplish)
every
day,
every
hour,
and
every
minute
throughout
the
day.
However,
whenever
possible, it is important for us to recognize, understand, and manage our emotions.
Some
emotional
experiences
are
temporary,
while
others
may
last
for
a
longer
period
of
time.
An
example
of
a
temporary
emotional
event
is
when
someone
(i.e.
a
driver
on
a
highway)
does
something
inappropriate.
We
first
experience
frustration,
then
anger,
followed
by
a
rise
in
our
blood
pressure.
We
then
attempt
to
rationalize
their
driving
habits
by
questioning
their
intelligence.
They
eventually
go
their
different
way
and
we
soon
forget
about
it.
However,
there
are
times
when
an
emotion
will
last
for
a
longer
period
of
time—even
to
a
point
where
it
seems
“normal”
because
we forgot what it feels like to live life without the emotion.
It’s
important
to
know
emotions
can
provide
an
opportunity
for
Satan
to
lead
one
astray—especially
negative
emotions—which
will
occur
more
often
as
we
get
closer
to
the
last
days.
As
such,
this
writing
focuses
on
the
caustic
emotions of anger, fear (including anxiety), and sadness.
When
we
experience
the
“valleys”
in
life
is
when
some
may
“push
back”
on
everything
and
everyone,
including
God.
This
is
when
we
may
begin
to
question
God—which
opens
the
door
(and
our
“ears”)
to
the
lies
of
Satan.
This
is
the
critical
time
when
we
need
to
hold
onto
our
hope,
belief,
faith
and
trust
in
God’s
word
and
God’s
promises
during
these
turbulent
times.
Jesus
said
we
should
love
God
“With
all
your
heart,
with
all
of
your
soul,
with
all
of
your
mind,
and
with
all
of
your
strength.”
(Mark
12:30)
Proverbs
3:5-6
instructs
us
to
“Trust
in
the
Lord
with
all
your
heart,
and
lean
not
on
your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Anger
All
of
us
have
and
will
experience
varying
degrees
of
anger
as
our
imperfect
flesh
responds
to
a
dark
and
broken
world.
When
we
have
a
negative
encounter
with
someone—especially
if
a
physical,
sexual
or
emotional
abuse
has
occurred—it
will
cause
our
emotions
of
anger
to
predominate
our
thoughts.
We
soon
imagine
obtaining
a
“pound
of
their
flesh”
(or
some
other
form
of
retribution)
for
their
wrongdoing.
If
we
do
not
control
our
emotions
at
this
point,
they
will
continue
to
fester
into
a
toxic
combination
of
additional
emotions.
Some
may
attempt
to
control
their
emotions
by
repressing
them
into
the
background
of
their
mind—but
to
no
avail
because
we
will
still
think
about
what
occurred;
what
we
should
have
done;
and/or
what
we
should
do
to
the
one
who
is
responsible.
Meanwhile,
as
time
passes,
we
will
attempt
to
rationalize
and
get
a
grip
on
what’s
going
on
between
our
ears
and
calm
down.
We
know
in
our
heart
what
we’re experiencing is not good, it is not healthy, it is not spiritual, and it is not Christ-like.
So,
we’re
in
a
quandary
in
what
to
do
with
our
anger,
and
we
have
two
basic
options:
no
response
and
respond.
Meanwhile, we need to release the internal “pressure” that is building up due to our anger.
It
is
recommended
(and
appropriate)
to
tell
God
about
our
negative
emotions,
feelings
of
anger,
negative
thoughts,
and
desire
for
justice—rather
than
allowing
the
source
of
our
pain
to
continue.
It’s
not
good
to
hold
onto
or
deny
the
emotion.
But
rather,
it
is
prudent
to
express
all
of
your
feelings
and
thoughts
to
God
in
order
to
refrain
from
putting
yourself
in
a
situation
that
may
make
things
worse;
something
you
could
regret;
and
something
that
will
likely
require
forgiveness for what you have done.
David
(in
Psalm
69
and
109)
expressed
his
outrage
to
God
and
asked
for
violent
curses
to
come
down
on
his
enemies.
However, it’s important to note that David’s anger transitioned to praise and worship as he concluded both Psalms.
And,
yes,
this
is
not
easy,
especially
if
the
wounds
are
deep.
It
is
even
more
difficult
if
physical
and/or
sexual
abuse
occurred—which
often
results
in
an
all-encompassing
emotional
bondage
with
oppressive
“weights”
that
smothers
the
life
of
the
abused.
No
one
should
have
to
go
through
this
type
of
experience.
There’s
only
one
way
out,
and
that’s
forgiveness.
It’s
when
we
approach
the
Throne
of
God;
when
we
seek
His
presence;
when
we
talk
about
our
emotions;
and
when
we
receive
His
love
and
forgiveness
is
when
everything
that
seems
important
falls
away…including
our
anger.
This
is
when
we
feel
an
indescribable
peace
deep
within
our
soul.
This
is
also
when
we
“know
that
we
know”
that
this
is
a
“taste”
of
eternity
with
Him.
This
is
where
forgiveness
for
those
that
have
hurt
us
will
be
found
in
that
we
are
loved,
we
are
forgiven,
and
what
we
have
done
is
forgotten.
“As
far
as
the
east
is
from
the
west,
so
far
has
he
removed
our
transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12)
As
we
honestly
share
our
heart
and
how
we
feel
with
God
in
prayer,
and
as
we
express
our
emotions,
the
Holy
Spirit
will
lovingly
illuminate
and
reveal
our
situation.
Sometimes
He
will
reveal
additional
and/or
unknown
layers
and
depths
of
our innermost being; often resulting in tears of regret, healing, and/or unexplainable joy that wells up from our soul.
What’s
more,
the
challenges
we
encounter
during
this
temporary
life
on
this
earth
really
don’t
matter
when
we
consider
the
bigger
picture:
our
names
are
written
in
The
Book
of
Life
because
we
have
hope,
believe
in,
extended
our
faith
towards,
and
trust
in
the
sacrificial
death
of
God’s
Son,
Jesus
Christ.
It
is
God’s
grace
and
love
that
changes
us
from
within,
and
it
is
God’s
grace
and
love
that
creates
a
desire
within
us
to
live
a
life
that
pleases
Him.
By
yielding
to
and
obeying
the
Holy
Spirit,
the
internal
pressure
and
“steam”
will
begin
to
dissipate,
our
blood
pressure
begins
to
subside,
and our perception of the situation will take on a completely new reality…from His perspective.
At
this
point
it’s
our
choice
(due
to
our
free
will)
whether
or
not
we
completely
free
ourselves
from
the
bondage
and
pain
of
anger.
Since
we
are
forgiven,
we
must
forgive.
There
is
no
other
choice.
Without
complete
forgiveness
anger
will
raise
its
ugly
head
again
and
the
cycle
will
not
stop.
And,
yes,
there
will
be
times
when
you
will
need
to
remind
yourself
that
you
forgave
and
need
to
forget.
(Since
it’s
in
our
memory
there
are
times
we
will
remember.)
When
this
occurs,
think
about
what
God
gave
us
in
His
son,
Jesus
Christ.
We
are
absolutely
and
forever
forgiven
for
who
we
are
and
what
we
have
done.
Remember
the
heart-illuminating
and
anger-depleting
words
of
Jesus
before
his
death
on
the
cross:
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Luke 23:34
These
words
of
Jesus
reveal
that
He
knew
His
executors
were
living
in
darkness.
He
knew
the
horrific
torture
that
they
just
gave
Him
was
due
to
their
blindness
of
the
Truth.
He
knew
Satan
was
using
them
as
pawns
to
accomplish
his
vain
attempt
to
eliminate
Him.
He
knew
what
He
was
about
to
accomplish
would
provide
a
means
for
them
to
be
forgiven,
and so He prayed to the Father for their forgiveness as he was dying on the cross.
“Repay
no
one
evil
for
evil.
Have
regard
for
good
things
in
the
sight
of
all
men.
If
it
is
possible,
as
much
as
depends
on
you,
live
peaceably
with
all
men.
Beloved,
do
not
avenge
yourselves,
but
rather
give
place
to
wrath;
for
it
is
written,
‘Vengeance
is
Mine,
I
will
repay,’
says
the
Lord.
Therefore,
if
your
enemy
is
hungry,
feed
him;
if
he
is
thirsty,
give
him
a
drink;
for
in
so
doing
you
will
heap
coals
of
fire
on
his
head.
Do
not
be
overcome
by
evil,
but
overcome
evil
with
good.”
Romans 12:17-21
The Power of Forgiveness
It
is
safe
to
say
those
who
harmed
us
do
not
deserve
to
be
forgiven.
However,
it’s
also
safe
to
say
we
did
not
deserve
God’s forgiveness in Jesus Christ. God’s desire for us is to:
•
Let go of that which continues to destroy us from within.
•
To forgive as He has forgiven us—as a reciprocal act of His love, His mercy and His grace.
Forgiveness—the
deliberate
act
of
relinquishing
(surrendering,
abandoning)
our
feelings
of
resentment
and/or
vengeance
towards
someone
who
has
harmed
us—is
biblically
mandated.
But
there
is
a
very
good
reason:
forgiveness
is more powerful than we realize in that it can heal the internal “damage.”
Forgiveness:
•
Is a powerful spiritual weapon.
•
Will restore our body, heart and soul from the devastating harm caused by trauma, such as:
o
Verbal abuse.
o
Mental abuse.
o
Physical abuse.
o
Sexual abuse.
o
Domestic violence.
o
Parental separation.
o
Loss of a loved one.
•
Takes power away from Satan and his demonic minions.
•
Changes our perception of:
o
Those who have harmed us.
o
The world around us.
Even
if
the
person
who
committed
the
crime
does
not
care,
refuses
to
change,
or
is
no
longer
living—forgiveness
is
still
vitally important for the one who was harmed—for it is a source of healing.
Even
though
the
one
who
harmed
you
may
discount/disown
what
they
did;
respond
wi
th
disdain;
or
no
longer
live…forgiveness is for
YOUR
healing.
“The
Power
of
Forgiveness”
(on
UniqueBibleStudies.com)
provides
expanded
spiritual
insight into forgiveness and its ability to heal the deepest wounds and scars.
What to do when a response (to a situation that caused anger) is required.
There
are
occasions
when
anger—caused
by
someone’s
behavior—requires
a
response.
Jesus
Christ
expressed
anger
as
He
cleared
the
temple
of
moneychangers
when
He
declared
“My
house
shall
be
called
a
house
of
prayer,
but
you
have
made
it
a
den
of
thieves.”
(Matthew
21:12-13;
Mark
11:15-18;
John
2:13-22).
The
Pharisees
(Jewish
religious
leaders)
wanted
to
see
if
Jesus
would
break
their
rules
(and
charge
him)
by
healing
a
man
on
the
Sabbath.
(Mark
3:1-
6). Jesus looked upon them with anger, but was also grieved by the hardening of their hearts as He healed the man.
The
expression
of
anger
by
Jesus
Christ
was,
is
and
will
be
holy,
righteous,
and
warranted.
However,
it
is
absolutely
dangerous
for
any
person
to
express
anger.
The
reason
is
that
we
are
unholy,
we
are
non-righteous,
and
our
behavior
is
affected
by
the
sinful
impurities
within
our
flesh.
Plus
it’s
a
very
slippery
slope
in
that
any
expression
of
anger
will
have a high probability of resulting in unintended and non revocable consequences.
And
yes,
it
is
not
easy
to
“pull
back”
from
the
situation.
Especially
when
our
rage
is
boiling
inside,
and
our
mind
is
racing
with
thoughts
and
images
of
retribution,
and
we
want
to
completely
unload,
and
it
takes
every
ounce
of
strength
we
have
to
not
respond.
This
is
when
we
need
to
walk
away,
pray
and
seek
guidance
from
the
Holy
Spirit.
We
must
control our emotions and not allow our emotions to control us.
If
a
response
is
required
and
there’s
no
other
choice,
it
is
best
to
allow
a
“cooling
off”
period
to
occur
so
that
our
rational
thought
process
(and
the
Holy
Spirit)
will
have
an
ability
to
intercede.
Once
this
occurs,
here’s
is
a
list
of
questions
to
consider.
1
.
Are you calmed down?
•
Have you prayed and asked the Holy Spirit to guide you through this situation?
•
Are you able to think rationally and logically?
•
Are you able to focus upon how the situation may be improved?
2
.
What is the specific reason for your anger?
•
Be careful because this question will likely “fan the flames” of anger once again.
•
Was your pride and/or selfishness a contributing factor in your anger?
•
Was your anger justified?
3
.
What is your core motivation to respond?
•
Are you seeking to punish or point to Jesus Christ?
•
Do you see, understand, and feel their pain due to their life in darkness?
•
Is your response based upon selfless love?
4
.
What is the intended outcome?
•
What can go wrong?
•
Is it possible for a misunderstanding to occur?
•
Can it be used as justification to not accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord?
5
.
Will God be glorified?
“So
then,
my
beloved
brethren,
let
every
man
be
swift
to
hear,
slow
to
speak,
slow
to
wrath;
for
the
wrath
of
man
does
not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20
Fear vs. Anxiety
Like
anger,
fear
and
anxiety
are
very
unpleasant
emotions.
While
our
response
to
fear
and
anxiety
may
be
somewhat
similar,
the
definition
of
fear
and
anxiety
are
different.
Fear
is
a
response
to
a
real
and
definite
danger,
pain,
or
harm.
Whereas
anxiety
is
due
to
a
perceived
(or
imagined)
threat
of
danger,
pain,
or
harm.
For
example,
if
you
are
walking
down
a
dark
alley
at
night
you
will
likely
have
anxiety
in
that
someone
could
jump
out
and
harm
you.
However,
if
someone
jumps
out
and
takes
an
aggressive
position
towards
you…your
anxiety
will
immediately
transition
to
fear
(because
it
is
real
and
not
imagined).
This
is
when
adrenalin
kicks
in
and
a
survivalistic
mindset
is
activated:
fight
or
flight (attack or run).
Whether
real
or
imagined,
fear
and
anxiety
can
cause
us
to
experience
a
rise
in
blood
pressure;
increased
stress
and
tension;
cause
an
uneasy
feeling
in
the
pit
of
our
stomach;
can
influence
our
relationship
with
others;
and
can
result
in
an inability to think and function normally. Fear will be discussed in greater detail below, followed by anxiety.
Godly Fear
It
is
important
to
understand
that
there
is
a
good
type
of
“Heavenly”
fear
in
that
it
begins
the
attainment
(or
learning)
of
wisdom:
“The
fear
of
the
LORD
is
the
beginning
of
knowledge,
but
fools
despise
wisdom
and
instruction.”
(Proverbs
1:7,
9:10;
Psalm
111:10).
What’s
more,
all
should
fear
God
(and
not
have
anxiety
toward
God)
because
He
is
real.
His
words
are
real.
His
promises
are
real.
Plus,
how
we
individually
fear
God
will
affect
our
life
on
this
earth
and
beyond.
Those
who
do
not
fear
God
will
not
gain
Godly
wisdom.
They
may
be
highly
intelligent,
acquire
significant
knowledge,
and vainly consider themselves wise—but they are unable to see and understand God’s wisdom.
“And
the
disciples
came
and
said
to
Him,
‘Why
do
You
speak
to
them
in
parables?’
He
answered
and
said
to
them,
‘Because
it
has
been
given
to
you
to
know
the
mysteries
of
the
kingdom
of
heaven,
but
to
them
it
has
not
been
given.
For
whoever
has,
to
him
more
will
be
given,
and
he
will
have
abundance;
but
whoever
does
not
have,
even
what
he
has
will
be
taken
away
from
him.
Therefore,
I
speak
to
them
in
parables,
because
seeing
they
do
not
see,
and
hearing
they
do not hear, nor do they understand.’” Matthew 13:10-13
“For
the
message
of
the
cross
is
foolishness
to
those
who
are
perishing,
but
to
us
who
are
being
saved
it
is
the
power
of
God.
For
it
is
written:
‘I
will
destroy
the
wisdom
of
the
wise;
and
bring
to
nothing
the
understanding
of
the
prudent’”
1
Corinthians 1:18-19
However,
those
who
fear
God
are
able
to
gain
wisdom
once
they
accept
Jesus
Christ
as
their
Savior
and
Lord,
and
as
they
yield
to
and
are
instructed
by
the
Holy
Spirit.
What’s
more,
the
initial
motivation
of
fear
towards
God
transitions
to
a
compelling desire to serve Him based upon love for Him.
“We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
Example of Fear
I
worked
the
midnight
shift
in
a
convenience
store
while
attending
college.
One
early
morning
a
person
came
into
the
store
and
walked
directly
to
the
back
where
alcoholic
beverages
were
sold.
From
behind
the
sales
counter
I
informed
the
person
that
it
was
after
2
AM
and
we
were
not
allowed
to
sell
beer
or
wine.
The
person
turned,
walked
toward
me,
raised
a
gun
about
6-inches
from
my
face
and
said
“give
me
all
of
the
money.”
I
turned
the
cash
register
around,
pushed
the
No
Sale
button
to
open
the
cash
drawer,
begged
for
my
life,
and
proceeded
to
crawl
into
a
small
area
under
the
counter
for
safety.
Fortunately,
the
person
took
the
money
and
left.
The
person
was
caught
later
that
morning
and
eventually went to prison.
After
I
calmed
down,
I
remembered
a
very
odd
experience.
The
second
I
saw
the
gun
it
felt
as
if
a
warm
sensation
moved
very
quickly
through
my
entire
body:
from
my
front
to
my
back.
The
only
description
I
can
give
is
one
I
have
seen
in
cartoons
as
a
child:
when
the
character
was
faced
with
a
terrifying
situation
would
turn
white
with
fear
starting
from
their
front
and
passing
through
their
body.
In
addition,
I
was
in
survival
mode.
The
only
thing
going
through
my
mind
was
to
do
whatever
was
necessary
to
not
give
the
person
a
reason
to
pull
the
trigger.
My
fear
was
due
to
a
real
and definite threat of harm and possible death.
A
few
days
later
I
asked
(and
received
approval)
to
be
transferred
to
an
auditing
position
within
the
company,
one
where
I
would
not
be
required
to
stand
behind
a
counter
and
be
subject
to
another
armed
robbery.
I
was
dealing
with
the
emotion of anxiety as I relived the event in my mind.
Anxiety
Many
of
us
(with
varying
degrees)
experience
continuous
anxiety
subconsciously
because
of
past
negative
experiences
and/or
when
we
look
into
the
future,
we
face
numerous
unknowns.
We
feel
more
comfortable
when
we
know
what
will
occur,
why
it
will
occur,
when
it
will
occur,
how
it
will
occur,
where
it
will
occur,
and
we
know
we
can
“handle”
the
situation.
However,
there
are
many
aspects
of
life
where
this
is
impossible.
As
such,
many
go
through
life
with
a
subliminal
degree
of
anxiety.
Some
experience
mild
anxiety,
others
moderate
and
a
few
have
severe
anxiety.
What’s
more, some of us are unaware of our anxiety because we’ve had it for so long it seems normal.
When
changes
(including
potential
changes)
from
our
“norm”
occurs
(change
in
job,
moving,
unplanned
expenses,