THE EMOTIONS OF A GENUINE BELIEVER

THE EMOTIONS OF A GENUINE BELIEVER

(Galatians 5:18-25)

INTRODUCTION

There are two sets of emotions available to every believer. Natural emotions which come as a default package to every human being. Then there is the standard set of emotions which the Lord demands from every believer. These new emotions are grouped in our text as the fruit of the spirit. Outside these emotions, we will find ourselves doing the “works of the flesh”. The works of the flesh are driven by natural passions and emotional desires. Once we allow these normal desires to take hold of us, our actions and behaviour will contradict the word of God. A man who runs with the emotions of a believer will do the things that are pleasing to the Lord.

All natural emotions are momentary or temporary. They express how we feel, what we like or dislike or what we are going through in our minds. On the contrary, spiritual emotions are deep, biblical, better and driven by our walk with the Lord. They express our willingness to obey God’s word at all times. Notice the language of our text. The emotions of a believer are reserved for those who are “led of the Spirit” (v. 18), those who “live in the Spirit” (v. 25a), and those who “walk in the Spirit” (v. 25b).

We are to put to death our natural emotions. “And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts (v. 24)” If you live in the flesh, your emotions will control your life and your subsequent actions will embarrass the kingdom of Christ. If you always respond to your natural emotions, you will fail God. “And I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who indulge in such things will have no place in the Kingdom of God” Ga 5:21 (TCNT).

So what are the emotions recommended to us by the bible?

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

1.       Love: Not a feeling but a practice (1 John 4:7-8). Demonstrated when you refuse to broadcast the wrongs of others (Prov. 17:9); when you refuse to retaliate or harm others (Rom. 13:10); when you empty yourself for others (John 15:13); when you are sincere with people (Rom. 12:9); when you genuinely serve others (Gal. 5:13); when you love your enemies (Mt 5:43-45).

2.      Joy (cheerfulness): It is not in the nature of God’s children to be downcast or morose (Is. 61:3). Joy is from the Lord and is independent of the happenings around us, or any good or bad news that we receive (Is. 29:19; Is. 35:10). Never accept sadness or sorrow – it is not your portion (Ps. 42:5).

3.      Peace: When you demonstrate calmness in every situation. When you refuse to panic. When you refuse to be terrorized by anything (Phil. 4:6-7). When you seek to resolve every conflict around you (Heb. 12:14). When you confidently proclaim the peace of the Lord whenever there is a storm.

4.      Longsuffering: When you are patient with others. When you tolerate their weaknesses and forbear their offences (Col. 3:12). Impatience is not an attribute of a spiritual man (2 Cor. 6:4-6).

5.       Gentleness (kindness): A good believer is emotionally stable, composed, well-mannered and kind (1 Thess. 2:7; 2 Tim. 2:24).

6.      Goodness: A believer is expected to be useful to everyone, morally sound, and of excellent behaviour, demeanour and character at all times (Rom. 15:14).

7.       Faith (or faithfulness): A believer is expected to demonstrate commitment, loyalty and trust in relationships and in his dealings with others (Luke 16:10-11).

8.      Meekness (or humility):  Abasing ourselves instead of advertising ourselves. Promoting others rather than promoting self (Matt. 23:12; Zeph. 2:3). The practice of a quiet spirit (1 Pet 3:4).

9.      Temperance (or self-control): An intrinsic ability to handle and dominate all natural emotions (Prov. 25:28; 1 Cor. 9:27; Rom. 6:12). The art of controlling your behaviour using your spirit-man.

CONCLUSION

This fruit is harvested out of our lives when the seeds of the word of the word of God is sown into our spirit-man. They cannot be secured by rules or regulations (Gal. 5:23). As we walk and live in the Spirit, allowing the Spirit of Christ to lead us in all situations, we will find that these emotions will become ‘first nature’ to us and show themselves in all of our actions. May the Lord grant us grace to manifest the fruit of the spirit in Jesus name. Let us pray.