49 Religious Lies Jesus Told Me to Stop Believing - #8 Emotions Are Not of the Spirit

Summary

Mark Virkler reflects on how believing that emotions were merely “soulish” led him to suppress them. He says this left him emotionally detached, harmed his marriage and other relationships, and made it harder for him to cherish and empathize with others.

Through prayerful journaling and examining Scripture, he came to believe that emotions can also be part of a person’s spirit. He considers emotions such as love, joy, peace, compassion, and grief to be spiritually meaningful.

Strategies and Practices Discussed

• Question assumptions: Check whether familiar teachings or diagrams are supported by Scripture.
• Read the Gospels attentively: Notice how Jesus’ compassion moved him to heal, and consider how emotions can motivate and empower service.
• Read the Psalms: Observe how David brought a range of feelings, including anger and gladness, to God.
• Express emotions honestly in prayer: Share feelings with God rather than hiding or dismissing them.
• Practice tenderness toward yourself and others: Reflect on being loved by God and extend that care to others.
• Honor others’ feelings: Virkler says acknowledging emotions improved his marriage and friendships.
• Journal and reflect: Read relevant verses carefully, write about them, and ask God what they mean to you.
• Use faith-based affirmations: Virkler models affirming freedom from the belief that emotions have no place in one’s spirit.

Presenters and Sources

• Presenter: Mark Virkler
• Sources discussed: The Bible, especially the Gospels, Psalms, John 4:24, and 1 Kings 21:5; and the book Release from Religion.