For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:…a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. (Ecclesiastes 3:1,4)
Emotions are inherent to the human experience and, in themselves, are neither right nor wrong. God experiences anger, sadness, and divine jealousy. Emotions are neutral, but our response to them can be sinful. Flying off the handle in response to anger is a sin; but bottling negative emotions can be sinful as well. (Psalm 139:23-24) God wants us to be controlled by the Holy Spirit, not by our emotions. In some cases, this means acknowledging a need for pastoral or professional help. Just as God deals compassionately with our emotions, He calls us to show compassion and mercy to others. (Luke 6:36, 2 Corinthians 1:4) Men and women often experience and express emotions differently. God can give us compassion for one another if we ask Him.
Today's Prayer Guide:
* Pray that the men in our lives will be controlled by the Holy Spirit and not by their emotions. Pray that they won’t sin in their anger or jealousy or any other emotion.
* Pray that men who are suffering from depression will receive help and healing. Pray that they will not be ashamed to acknowledge their need for help and that our church will respond with grace and compassion.
* Pray that our husbands, brothers, fathers, and sons will recognize and respond appropriately to any emotions that are bottled away but still controlling any aspect of their lives.
* Pray that God will give men and women in our church insight about our emotional differences and will equip us to respond compassionately.
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