Feelings are Not Sinful

We often talk about having a bad feeling toward a situation or even a person. We also have good feelings. But what makes us categorize those feelings as good or bad? Long ago when Patrick and I attended Marriage Encounter we learned that feelings were neither good nor bad. It is what we do with those feelings that are good or bad.

It is interesting to note that good feelings can lead us into sin just as easily as bad feelings. And bad feelings can lead us closer to God just as easily as the good.

Jesus walked this earth without sin. He chose early in life to do The Father's will for good and reject evil. He did this even with His feelings. He cried when grieving over the death of His friend Lazarus. He got angry at the money changers who sullied the temple. Even in His anger He did not sin. He chose to upend their tables and call out their dishonoring practices, but He did not hurt any person. He sang hymns rejoicing in God with His disciples on His way to Gethsemane, but also cried out in anguish over the cup of suffering He was to partake. Jesus felt deep love for women who were oppressed and for men who were judgmental and all those in between. He felt compassion for the children and pride when Peter received the truth about who He was. Jesus expressed His feelings freely, but without sin.

During this Advent Season, many feelings swirl around us: joy, excitement, greed, and irritations, sadness and fear. What we do with all those feelings is our choice. As followers of Jesus we should express our feelings without sin. And the greatest law to follow when doing this is to Love God with all we are and Love One Another!

Jesus, I am so glad that You express Your feelings in love! I am grateful that You gave us feelings. They are a wonderful gift! Forgive me , LORD, when I let sin flow from my feelings. Give me the strength to keep sin bound when I am flooded with feelings. It is You I want to smile on me and be pleased with my actions.