We begin a series about emotions. In this series we examine the emotions Jesus Christ felt when He was on earth, limited to a time in history, a geographical place, and a human body. We will examine how He managed His emotions; and why His emotional experiences enable Him to understand everything you and I feel. He is our help in time of trouble.

Emotions are part of your body’s signal system. Emotions informs you about what is going on around you. In much the same way as nerve endings in your hand warn you the stove is hot, emotions warn you about what is going on around you. Your emotions are God-given. Emotions are neither right nor wrong of themselves. How you respond to your emotions can be wrong.

What are emotions?

Emotions are a valuable part of you!

You are entitled to your emotions!

Emotions are not a sin

Your emotions are personal (No one can tell how another should feel)

You are not responsible for anyone else’s emotions

Remember you are unique for His reasons – 1 Corinthians 4:⁶ And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

⁷ For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

Why do we have our emotions?

Emotions are part of your body’s signal system, neither right nor wrong of themselves.

(What is causing this feeling? – the present or the unresolved past?)

If you don’t control your emotions they will control you.

Control isn’t burying/suppressing emotion but to set boundaries around the emotion

Behavior reflects your response to your emotional signals

Does your behavior indicate you are in control or your emotions are in control?

When behavior reflects an emotion that is controlling you, the better response was not chosen

Negative emotions sap your energy – anger, fear, worry, jealousy, hurt feelings, envy, lust

– help you to blame others or things rather than taking responsibility for yourself

– signal a need to change your response to the emotion and take control

Emotional pain does not mean your relationship with Jesus Christ has failed.

Emotional pain does not make you a second class Christian.

Jesus understands each emotion you feel and He can help. Hebrews 2:⁵ For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.

⁶ But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?

⁷ Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:

⁸ Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.

⁹ But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

¹⁰ For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

¹¹ For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

¹² Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

¹³ And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.

¹⁴ Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

¹⁵ And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

¹⁶ For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

¹⁷ Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

¹⁸ For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

No one understands like Jesus – John Peterson

No one understands like Jesus; He’s a Friend beyond compare.
Meet Him at the throne of mercy; He is waiting for you there.

CHORUS
No one understands like Jesus When the days are dark and grim.
No one is so near, so dear as Jesus; Cast your every care on Him.

No understands like Jesus; every woe He sees and feels.
Tenderly He whispers comfort, and the broken heart He heals.

No one understands like Jesus When the foes of life assail.
You should never be discouraged; Jesus cares and will not fail.

No one understands like Jesus When you falter on the way.
Though you fail Him, sadly fail Him, He will pardon you today.

Questions for reflection

• Does your behavior indicate you are in control or your emotions are in control?

• What are your emotions currently telling you?

When someone tells you that you shouldn’t feel that way, how do you respond?

Which emotion are you feeling most right now?

• Is  your life short-circuited by a negative emotion? Which one?_____________

• Is your attitude self-affirming or self-degrading?

• What does it matter to you that Jesus took on human flesh like you?

• What emotion do you most often feel? Do you know why?

• What emotion is the most difficult for you to control?

• Is there an emotion you do not often feel? Do you know why?

Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God

Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will     accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti