February 17, 2016
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. Philippians 1:7
Paul is writing to the Philippians in the noted verse. Isn’t it wonderful to know as an individual of Christ, we can experience different feelings and still belong to Him? Paul went through many attitudes after his conversion yet possessed an upbeat feeling.
Job was another example who expressed his feelings. The seventh chapter of Job states one example: “Ah, let me express my anguish. Let me be free to speak out of the bitterness of my soul.” He had a right to deep anger and bitterness but he was open in speaking his feelings to God. If we convey our feelings to Him, we have an unbelievable technique to convey. It is simply called prayer.
If you read or even scan the Bible, you will observe even our Lord had feelings. One of the renowned examples is the shortest verse: “Jesus wept.” Here He expresses deep emotion and sorrow. We should not hide our true feelings as He is present to understand them. He shows concern with compassion and His wondrous love.
Feelings can be viewed as negative. In Leviticus, it is noted the Israelites were to be different than other nations. Instead, their feelings were to be similar as they desired a king which was in opposition to God’s plan. If we let our feelings to be like those who don’t believe, we are destined for spiritual disaster.
Looking back at Paul, he wrote “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” In other words, to be a Christian, we should live as God did. “We are reflections of God’s glory and the image of God.” In addition, we should demonstrate through our feelings of love, patience and forgiveness.
Prayer: As God’s people, assist us to be open with our feelings knowing the Lord is ever present to assist us. Amen.
Jeff Spang