Navigating Negative EmotionsSample

Emotions and Values

Values are the essential principles or beliefs of a person. When a situation challenges our values, emotions sound the alarm and warn us of danger. This often leads us to confuse our emotions with our values and give them the same importance. But they are not the same.

A natural consequence of being made children of God is the desire to adopt the values closest to our Father’s heart. These values are rooted in faith that what God says is true. When our emotions flare up, they should be heard but not obeyed. Emotions grab our attention and tell us to act. Before acting, we need to diligently confirm if what we are feeling is true and exercise self-control to act in love.

Recognize emotions when they ignite. Think: Why did my emotions flare up? Which value is being violated? Is it a virtuous or selfish value? Be prepared to wait on the Lord, and ask God to help you with self-examination.

In the Bible, the values God speaks of as virtuous are: fear of God, obedience, mercy, love, keeping God's commandments, and wisdom. Things that God recommends distancing ourselves from are wicked speech, thoughts that lead to evil, cruelty, foolish behavior, and ill intentions toward others.

We should complete this examination process before we decide what to do. Emotions demand action. A godly life requires that we persist in seeking knowledge rooted in faith before acting.

Our actions should be driven by carefully considered choices.

Remember this approach with the acronym LIDD. Do not suppress your emotions. Use the acronym to remember the approach.

• L is for Listen. Listen to your emotions. Never suppress them. They provide valuable insight.
• I is for Investigate. Seek knowledge through God's guidance.
• D is for Decide. Determine what action to take.
• The last D is for Discard. Don’t hold on to negative emotions.

Emotions are a gift from God. They indicate when action is necessary. But freedom is an even greater gift. God has granted us the power to choose both our perspective and our actions. Our emotions serve us well. When we use the LIDD approach, we allow God to lead us from a foundation of faith and love.

Lord, I thank You for my emotions and for how You created me. I ask for Your help in distinguishing them clearly so that I can make decisions that lead me to love You and those around me.