Sin (and iniquity) is the disease all men experience.
The symptoms of that disease in the emotions are summarized as the destructive emotions listed above. Anger and other destructive emotional attitudes can keep us separated from God.
Definitions:
Emotions are lower level responses(autonomic) occurring in the sub-cortical regions of the brain (for example, the amygdala, which is part of the limbic system) [1] and the neocortex (ventromedial prefrontal cortices, which deal with conscious thoughts, reasoning, and decision making)
Feelings are the conscious experience of emotional reactions. Feelings are sparked by emotions and shaped by personal experiences, beliefs, memories, and thoughts linked to that particular emotion. Strictly speaking, a feeling is the side product of your brain perceiving an emotion and assigning a certain meaning to it.
We will use anger as an example throughout.
The root cause of destructive feelings produced by anger results from a belief that is false. This false belief is called a stronghold. Until the lie is exposed, rejected and the truth (the scripture) is believed, it will rule our response. Many things, people, or situations can spawn anger. Sometimes justifiable, sometimes not. That is inevitable in life. It’s when we act on a stronghold rather than the truth of the word of God that we sin against God and man.
Examples:
Angry because someone insulted you (disrespected, hurt, slandered,..) or stole from you, someone hurt a person you care about or is promoting evil in some form or another.
>There may be a belief that they can turn others’ opinion of you or control your future because of their power or position, etc [eg: this happened to you in the past]
>There could be a belief that says repay others the way they deserve.
Every ungodly response in thought, word or deed due to such strongholds is sin. And our conscience knows it even if the response makes us feel good.
Are there any destructive emotions that you struggle with?
Of the seven basic emotions defined by psychologists (Anger, Fear, Sadness, Disgust, Contempt, Surprise, Happiness).
look at the 5 negative ones:Anger, Fear, Sadness, Disgust, Contempt
If one or more of these stand out it is time to ask the Lord:
Why does this situation/event/person trigger this emotion and why do I respond thusly?
A stronghold (false premise/assumption/belief) could be the “why”.
Here is a summary of the details concerning these emotions:
Neg Emotion: Definitions/ Synonyms
Anger : a strong feeling of displeasure and usually of antagonism
: a threatening or violent appearance or state
/enrage, incense, inflame , infuriate, mad, outrage, rile, tick off
>Rage : violent and uncontrolled anger
: a fit of violent wrath
: insanity
/ agitation, flap, frenzy, furor, fury, hysteria, rampage, uproar, bristle, fume, storm
Fear : an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger
: anxious concern : solicitude
: profound reverence and awe especially toward God
: reason for alarm
/ Alarm, anxiety, dread, fright, panic, scare, terror, trepidation
>Solicitude : the state of being concerned and anxious
: attentive care and protectiveness also
: a cause of care or concern
/ care, concern, solicitude, anxiety, worry
>Danger: exposure or liability to injury, pain, harm, or loss
/ distress, harm's way, jeopardy, peril, risk, trouble
Disgust : marked aversion aroused by something highly distasteful
: to provoke to loathing, repugnance, or aversion
: to cause (one) to lose an interest or intention
/ aversion, distaste, horror, loathing, nausea, repugnance,repulsion, revulsion
Contempt: the state of mind of one who despises
: lack of respect or reverence for something
: willful disobedience to or open disrespect
/ despite, scorn
>Sarcasm: a sharp utterance designed to cut or give pain
:a mode of wit depending on bitter, caustic, and often ironic language usually directed against
an individual
/ barb, cut, dig, diss, insult, offense, outrage, poke, put-down, slight, slur
>Scorn : open dislike and disrespect or mockery often mixed with indignation
: an expression of contempt or derision
: an object of extreme disdain, contempt, or derision
/ disrespect, high-hat, look down,sniff(at), snub
Sadness :affected with grief or unhappiness
: downcast
: regrettable, deplorable
: of little worth
/ blue, cast down, crestfallen, dejected, depressed, despondent, down, down in the mouth, droopy,
forlorn, gloomy, glum, hangdog, heartbroken, heartsick, heartsore, heavyhearted, joyless, melancholic,
miserable, mournful, sorrowful, sorry, unhappy, wretched
Concerning relationships:
The top two most destructive negative emotions that destroy or kill relationships(especially marriages) are
ANGER and CONTEMPT
per psychologists!!
Closely examine these two in your all your relationships!
In light of these go back to your rating done in Session 2 and prayerfully re-rate yourself if necessary:
MAN: in IMAGE OF God: MEASURE (of hindrance)
Mind: Emotions Anger,Fear,Sadness,Disgust,contempt
Next time – the Aid/antidote to the negative emotions!
