October 8, 2020 - LMA Seven Principles: Principle #3

LMA Principle #3: Take Charge of Your Emotions.

Unwise emotional reactions get all of us in trouble a lot of the time. Emotions are wonderful, God-given blessings. They add to life and enhance our enjoyment and provide us with special moments in life. But, they are also frail, fragile things that can and do at times overwhelm us and lead to faulty, negative decisions and actions.

• Proverbs 15: 13: “A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.”

• Proverbs 16: 32: “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit (emotions) than he who takes a city.”

• Proverbs 29:11: “A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.

Principle 3 reminds us that we are to manage our emotions and not allow them to run rampant and allow them to harm others or ourselves with uncontrolled outbursts. Emotions are God-given aspects of our make-up. They can be pleasant and enjoyable. May we reflect upon this principle and change what needs to be changed about our emotional make-up.

• James 1:20 (TPT): For human anger is never a legitimate tool to promote God’s righteous purpose.

• James 1:20 (Mirror Bible): Anger distorts the picture and brings no credit to complement God’s righteousness.

Uncontrolled emotions are not of God. Relax and pray before you react.

Enough said.

Blessings All Around,

Rannie Childress

Senior Pastor, Trinitarian Grace International