Text- Romans 12:9 "… Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good"
As much as there are scriptural standards that delineate good from evil, and we are to subject our lives to those standards, we are also required to subject our emotions to them… to have what is evil, and love what is good.
Unfortunately, the innate tendency and the training of the systems of this world is to love that which is evil and hate that which is good.
Take for example, if you are watching a movie where a rogue who has done so much evil is at the verge of being caught by police men, what calculations usually go on in your mind? How he must be apprehended, or how he can escape arrest?
Let’s examine another movie scenario. A man whose wife went on a trip decides to bring his mistress home. While he’s with the mistress, his wife changes her plan, and decides to come home early. How would you feel at this point in the movie? That he must be caught, or that he must not be caught?
These are few examples to show that while you may not be committing crime, or living in sin, there may still be an issue with your emotions. The question is, do you really dislike evil or you just avoid it?
I have met with, and had the privilege of counseling a good number of people who seem to be victims of their own emotions… They are so caught up in the way they feel about a matter, and it seems they cannot help themselves.
What I usually explain is that the heart (inner heart) of a man is the seat of his emotions. So then, if your emotions are not yet aligned to the will of God, and His definition of good and evil, then you need a new heart; a pure heart!
God said in Ezekiel 36:26, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you…:. Ezekiel 18:31 also talks about a new heart and a new spirit, but adds a prerequisite – Cast away from you all your transgressions
The first thing to do in order to regulate your emotions is to put away your transgressions; repent from sin and accept Jesus as your Lord and saviour.
Having done that, then cry to God; ask Him to give you a new heart. On your own part, you must accept the the responsibility of renewing your mind with the word of God day by day.
Beloved, you are not a victim of your emotions. You can regulate it, and you can change it if need be. Again remember, the bottom line of Christina living and spiritual growth is actually not about changing our behavior; it is in changing our emotions. It is not about willpower; it is first about the emotions… that inner intensity that drives willpower.
PRAYER
Father, please give me a new heart and put a new spirit within me. Grant me the grace to regulate my emotions in Jesus Name.
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