July 22nd, 2023

Questions, Answers & Prayer;

What’s the fit role for feelings?

Feelings are neither good nor bad. They are neutral & inform you: what you want, don’t want, like, don’t like, are comfortable with, aren’t comfortable with. Consider them: Don’t ignore them. Don’t let’em control you!

Feelings inform you of your preferences. Feelings are not capable of defining anything, including good & evil.

How do I consider feelings in getting to know myself & God?

Test all things: Feelings, actions thoughts. Then consider your feelings & preferences but make sound decisions based on what’s true & good, what’s pleasing to God & what’s best for your life; being guided by the Spirit & your own heart, using your own judgment.

What’s most dangerous?

The most dangerous thing you can do is to be controlled by feelings. This’s the greatest cause, (not the only cause) of mental misery. Feelings are important to assess but they’re the most unreliable thing about us & they’re a false compass leading to confusion.

You don’t get to know yourself or God when you confuse your true self with your feelings. You get to know yourself & God by testing all things & holding fast to what is true; while being led: by the Spirit & the Word & by your own heart & judgment.

“Test all things; hold fast what is good (1 Thess 5:21).”

“Examine me, O Lord, & prove me; try my mind & heart (Ps

26:2).”

“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith

(2 Cor. 13:5).”

“Don’t believe every spirit…test the spirits whether they are of God (1 John 4:1).”

“Father, help me to consider my feelings & to get to know myself & You by calmly seeking the truth & thinking about whatever things are true, noble, just, pure wholesome, patient, & good. Spirit, help me talk to you as I talk with a loyal friend. (Adapt. Philippians 4:8-9) Amen.”