Holy Spirit Part 8-2

FLYING CLOSER TO THE FLAME: The Spirit and Our Emotions

Genesis 1 gives us insight into the origins of human personality and the purpose of our emotions.

Observation: God’s Crowning Creation

Read Genesis 1, noting how God’s creative acts move from simpler forms to the climax of His work—humanity.

The phrase “after their kind” (Genesis 1:11-12, 21, 24-25) appears repeatedly, showing God’s intentional design.

This rhythm changes in Genesis 1:26-27.

26 “Then God said, “Let us make man[a] in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

27 So God created man in his own image,

in the image of God he created him;

male and female he created them.”

Q: What did God pattern humans after?

A: Humans are created “in the image of God”—distinct from other creations.

Q: What contrast is the author making between other creations and humans?

A: Humans alone bear the divine image, reflecting God’s intellect, emotions, and will.

This “image of God” (Genesis 1:26) is foundational to understanding who we are and reveals our unique role in creation.

Interpretation: The Meaning of “Image of God”

Q: Why did God make humans in His image?

A: To reflect His nature and be relational beings who can commune with Him and each other.

Q: What were humans to do as God’s image-bearers?

A: Govern creation under His authority, demonstrating care and stewardship.

The image of God includes the mind, heart, and will—all designed to express His nature through our intellect, emotions, and choices.

THE MIND, HEART, AND WILL OF GOD

The Mind of God

Creation showcases God’s intelligence, and He gave Adam a mind to reflect His creativity and understanding.

Q: How was Adam’s mind at work in Genesis 2:19-20?

A: Adam names the animals, exercising his intellect and creativity as God’s representative.

The Heart of God

God is relational and gave us a heart to connect deeply with others.

Q: How did Adam express his heart toward Eve (Genesis 2:21-25)?

A: Adam welcomes Eve as a partner, showing joy and unity in their bond—a reflection of God’s love.

Our emotions, including love and joy, make us relational beings like God.

Emotions energize us, connecting us deeply with Him and with others.

The Will of God

God endowed humans with a will to choose, essential for authentic love and obedience.

Q: How did Genesis 2:16-17 demonstrate Adam and Eve’s capacity to choose?

A: God’s command regarding the tree shows that humans can make moral choices, critical for genuine relationship with God.

Q: Why is this capacity necessary in our relationship with God?

A: It allows us to choose love and obedience freely, making our relationship real rather than robotic.

“When He created humans, He gave them a personality like His own.” —Chuck Swindoll

The Role of Our Feelings

Emotions enrich our relationship with God, allowing us to experience a full range of feelings that draw us closer to Him.

Let’s examine some Scriptural examples.

Emotions and Spiritual Benefits

Psalm 146:1-2

1 Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord, O my soul!

2 I will praise the Lord as long as I live;

I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

-Praise involves our whole being, drawing us closer to God.

Proverbs 1:7

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;

fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Awe and reverence for God ground us in wisdom, leading to a deeper relationship with Him.

Acts 16:18

“And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.”

Paul’s frustration shows us that emotions can lead to decisive action for God’s purposes.

Romans 12:9-13

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”

Love, zeal, and joy spur us to serve God and others wholeheartedly.

Romans 12:14-18

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Empathy and peace guide us in relationships, encouraging unity.

2 Corinthians 4:8

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;”

Despite feelings of pressure, hope anchors us to God’s strength.

2 Corinthians 9:7

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Cheerful giving shows that generosity flows from a joyful heart, deepening our trust in God.

Ephesians 4:26

“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,”

Righteous anger is allowed, teaching us that emotions must be expressed in a healthy, controlled way.

Philippians 4:6-7

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Peace from God surpasses understanding, grounding our trust in Him beyond circumstances.

Philippians 4:11

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”

Contentment reminds us that joy is found in God rather than in changing situations.

1 Thessalonians 4:13

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.”

Grief over loss connects us with God’s comfort, reminding us of the hope of resurrection.

1 John 4:19

“We love because he first loved us.”

God’s love enables us to love others sincerely, fueling our relationship with Him and others.

Jesus Himself felt emotions deeply—grief, compassion, joy, and even anger (Luke 22:44).

Emotions add dimension to our walk with God, enriching our faith as we embrace them alongside truth.

“We are not whole, in the sense of complete in our God-given personality, unless all three are present and at work in us and in our walk with God.” —Chuck Swindoll

APPLICATION: Next Steps

As we draw closer to God, the Holy Spirit keeps our mind, emotions, and will balanced, helping us avoid extremes like intellectualism, emotionalism, or fanaticism.

How do emotions enhance our spiritual life?

Chuck shares that emotions often reveal areas where the Spirit is at work, whether guiding decisions, providing comfort, or prompting self-reflection.

Reflect on how the Spirit has used your emotions to guide, caution, or encourage you.

Has the Holy Spirit touched your emotions today, perhaps regarding a decision or a personal issue?

Listen for His voice, and reflect on where your emotions may be leading you closer to God’s heart.

Ephesians 3:19 speaks of the “love of Christ that is too great to understand,” and Philippians 4:7 of the “peace of God that surpasses all understanding.”

Some aspects of God go beyond our intellect; we need emotions to fully experience them.

If you’ve kept your emotions out of your relationship with God, consider what might open that door.

The Spirit invites you to a relationship where your emotions have a place—one that brings you closer to the flame of His presence.

-Pray