{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Why Bodies Matter","title":"As Lutherans, How Should We Treat Feelings and Emotions?","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1384,"description":"❓Do Feelings Matter?Β \nWhat are my feelings in relation to God, other people and ourselves? πŸ€”\nYour emotions matter! πŸ’—\nJesus had them, too β€” he wept 😒, got angry 😠, and even celebrated at parties πŸŽ‰.\nFrom the beginning, God created humans to feel things. Adam was so excited when he met Eve that he broke into song! 🎡\nAs Christians, we need to avoid two extremes: ↔️\n1️⃣ The \"just don't feel anything\" approach (stereotypically \"Lutheran\") 🧊\n2️⃣ The \"if I feel good, God must be happy with me\" approach (think televangelism) 🌈✨\nThe truth is somewhere in the middle. βš–οΈ\nYour emotions are real and valid, but because of sin, they don't always point \"true north.\" 🧭\nYou can be mad about things God isn't mad about, or love things God doesn't want you to love. β€οΈβ€πŸ©Ή\nThe Psalms are full of emotions β€” from deep sadness to immense joy. πŸ₯Ή\nWhen you're feeling sad, you can pray a sad psalm. But notice how the Psalms usually end with hope in God's love and help. πŸ™\nHere's the good news: Christ not only had emotions, he redeemed them! ✝️\nWhen you feel things . . .Β \nβ˜‘οΈIt's okay to feel them β€” God made you this way πŸ‘\nβ˜‘οΈ Check them against Scripture β€” emotions aren't your God πŸ“–\nβ˜‘οΈ Seek help when needed β€” from friends, pastors, or counselors 🀝\nSometimes you'll have to sit with difficult emotions for a while. ⏳\nGod's timing often feels terrible to us, but he provides promises to focus on and people to support you through those seasons. 🌦️\nLearning to navigate your emotions is lifelong spiritual and emotional growth - emotional sanctification! 🌱\nIt's not easy, but it's worth it, like physical therapy after breaking a leg. 🦡πŸ’ͺ\nIn the resurrection, your emotions will always point true north again. Until then, Christ gives you his Word to guide you, and forgiveness when you fail. 🌟\nContributor Deaconess Emma Heinz serves as the Registrar of Higher Things.\nContributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.\n#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #emotions","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/-EmP0gerbl_3lC0YTTdiDraXIBJ3A7iF-x-Gj3OFm2Q/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzQ5NzEyLzE3MDc4/NDQwMTktYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}