YoG | April 10, 2024 - Emotions

Introduction

Two Truths and a Lie - Carter

Opener: Puzzling Questions

Easy: What has 18 legs and catches flies?

(a baseball team)

Hard: Pronounced as one letter and written with three, two letters there are and two only in me. I’m black, blue, green and gray. I’m read from both ends, but the same either way. What am I?

(eye)

INTRO ?’s:

When was the last time you were genuinely excited? How did you act?

When was the last time you were down in the dumps and felt either sad, or angry at a situation? How did you act?

What role do emotions play in the life of the Christian?

Open in Prayer

Lesson

Read Prov 14:29

Proverbs 14:29 CSB

A patient person shows great understanding, but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness.

Why is being ‘slow to anger’ something we should strive for as the wise path?

What are some helpful things we can do to help our temptation to angry outbursts?

Read Prov 16:32

Proverbs 16:32 CSB

Patience is better than power, and controlling one’s emotions, than capturing a city.

Why is being slow to anger better than being ‘mighty’ and conquering a city?

Read Prov 15:13

Proverbs 15:13 CSB

A joyful heart makes a face cheerful, but a sad heart produces a broken spirit.

How hard is it for people to read your emotions? Do you try to hide them or let others see how you feel?

Which do you think is preferrable?

Read Prov 15:15

Proverbs 15:15 CSB

All the days of the oppressed are miserable, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

This proverb points out that everyone’s days are ‘afflicted with evil’.

What’s that mean if our days are afflicted with evil or are miserable?

What’s the difference between having a cheerful heart and not having one?

What’s the difference between ‘joy’ and simply ‘being happy’?

Read Prov 18:14

Proverbs 18:14 CSB

A person’s spirit can endure sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?

Which is worse, being physically sick or being crushed emotionally?

Read Prov 25:20

*Ask Caleb to read this passage from the Message

Proverbs 25:20 CSB

Singing songs to a troubled heart is like taking off clothing on a cold day or like pouring vinegar on soda.

How can you help someone who is hurting? What do you think this passage is saying? (it’s not good to force someone to feel cheery with happy songs – it’s okay to feel down)

Do a quick scan of the Psalms and find a verse that can help when someone has a ‘heavy heart’.

Psalm 23, Psalm 92, Psalm 57, Psalm 34

Also Romans 12:15 - Weep with those who weep

1 Corinthians 12:26 “So if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.”

Closing

In what area of your emotions would you most like to see growth?

More patience

More encouragement

How can you grow more towards being a follower of Jesus filled with joy and contentment?

You to be connected to God through prayer and through the word

You have to be intentional

Your heart has to be right