Day 125 "Emotions are often the physical manifestation of spiritual happening–let go."

Day 125 Matthew 14:13-14 When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. If I ever hear another person say we need to keep emotions out of ministry, I may possibly scream or at least cry. Jesus Himself is the very heir of compassion, and compassion is expressed by emotion. In this passage, Jesus is obviously moved by Herod's actions, the death of John, and by the pain and hunger of the people. Even though He had retreated to be alone, once he saw the people, He reacted to His emotions by using His power to heal. If Jesus is moved by His emotions, then why are we not allowed freedom to do so? The truth is the Bible does not instruct us to be mindless, unemotional beings. In fact, the truth would, in my opinion, be that we are to show our emotions. After all, if love is the greatest of gifts, do we not express our love through emotions? Yes, I agree that we need to temper our emotions with prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit; however, to avoid or to suppress them when expressing our joy in the Lord is somewhat counterproductive. When God answers prayer, people get excited (as they should), and excited people are contagious–they cause others to want what they have. Isn't that the great commission? Following God is fun, exciting, and, yes, emotional, so why fight it? Give in and have some fun; who knows, you might even see a miracle or two! Daily Prayer: Father, help us to balance our emotions with prayer and the leading of Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. "Emotions are often the physical manifestation of spiritual happening–let go." Pastor Gene Burroughs