49 Religious Lies Jesus Told Me to Stop Believing - #9 Do Not Trust Emotions

Overview

Presenter Mark Virkler challenges the belief that emotions should not be trusted. He describes emotions as potentially valuable spiritual signals, while emphasizing the importance of discerning them rather than following them blindly.

Strategies and Practices

• Notice and discern emotions. Distinguish deeper, more enduring emotions of the spirit from temporary, reactive emotions.
• Seek confirmation. Don’t rely on a single source of guidance; look for confirmation through multiple means and “a multitude of counselors.”
• Examine the image behind a feeling. Ask what mental picture may be producing an emotion. If a fearful image is causing distress, pray for a different, faith-oriented image.
• Focus attention intentionally. Virkler recommends fixing attention on Jesus and on images he considers godly, which he says can encourage faith, hope, joy, love, and peace.
• Allow emotions rather than suppress them. Honor emotions, recognizing that compassion, love, and even intense emotion can motivate action and prayer.
• Use journaling and reflection. Read relevant scripture, journal about it, and pray for personal understanding rather than relying only on others’ interpretations.
• Practice a spoken affirmation. Virkler invites viewers to say they are free from the belief that emotions must not be trusted and can honor Christ by expressing what he calls “kingdom emotions.”

Presenters and Sources Mentioned

Mark Virkler; Jesus, as quoted by Virkler in his journal; Habakkuk; Isaiah 31:4; and Gospel accounts describing Jesus’ compassion.