“For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15 (KJV)

Have you ever thought about how God feels about your feelings?

Somewhere along the way in my own life, I picked up the message that emotions weren’t good. I thought that I shouldn’t feel angry or sad or frustrated and that God was maybe even judging my feelings. Deep down, I asked a question that maybe you’ve wondered about, too: Are my emotions sin?

But over the past few years, as I’ve been learning to listen to what my emotions are trying to tell me, I’ve discovered a truth that has shifted everything for me: Feelings were never meant to be fixed; feelings are meant to be felt. More than just a race of adrenaline, feelings point the way for us to connect more deeply with ourselves, others and God than we thought possible.

How do I know this? Because God has emotions too! Though God’s emotions are different from ours because He is perfect and unchanging, Scripture says He felt happiness about everything He created (Genesis 1:31) and disappointment at His creation’s rebellion (Genesis 3:11-13). He felt anger at people’s continued rebellion (Zephaniah 1:4-6). He felt delight when Abraham, David and others followed Him (Deuteronomy 30:9-10) and sadness when they went their own ways.

Because of this, emotions are a facet of what it means to be made in the image of God. Therefore, emotions are not bad, and emotions are not sin. Emotions aren’t even neutral. When we understand that God has a purpose and plan for them, emotions are actually good — and not just some of them, like peace and joy, but all of them.

All emotions are good. Aren’t you just blown away by this? We have a God who feels emotions yet does not sin; He responds to all His feelings rightly. The author of Hebrews says of Jesus, “We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

Jesus felt His emotions, allowed them to draw people to Himself, and didn’t sin. I believe we can follow His example! We can’t help but feel emotions, and we should allow ourselves to feel them — but in a redeemed way, a life-giving way, a way that leads to connection and greater freedom.

So what are you feeling today? Are you happy, sad, angry or afraid? And what do you think God is feeling about those feelings? Take them all to our God, who not only feels for Himself but who also comes close to us when we’re feeling all our feelings too.

Dear Jesus, thank You for creating me in Your image and for the gift of my emotions. I ask You today to help me feel my emotions fully, help me see them as good, and help me not sin. Use all of my feelings to draw me closer to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

We’ve got some exciting news: Our Circle 31 Book Club will start reading Jennie Allen's book Untangle Your Emotions on May 1! Our team and Jennie have been working hard to create a book club experience that is so much more than just reading a book together. Get ready to have conversations about things that matter and grow deeper with a community that is eager to see progress in all areas of life. Click here to join our Circle today! And make sure you get your special edition of Jennie’s book, exclusive to the Proverbs 31 Ministries bookstore!

ENGAGE

Take a free quiz from Jennie called “Emotions: Are You Facing Them or Hiding Them Away?”

You can stay connected with Jennie on Instagram at @jennieallen.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 103:13-14, “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust” (ESV).

How do you think God feels about your feelings? Do you ever feel like He is judging them? Spend time reflecting on why you might feel this way, and ask God to help you see your emotions as He does!

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2024 by Jennie Allen. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries thanks WaterBrook & Multnomah for their support of Circle 31 Book Club and Encouragement for Today devotions.

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