DEALING WITH NEGATIVE EMOTIONS

Dealing with Negative Emotions 

Toni Babcock

Christians can sometimes get tied up in negative emotions and as long as we live entangled in anger, fear, resentment, despondency, doubt, etc. we’re going to fail to live the abundant life God created us for. 

Positive emotions give rise to joy and everlasting appreciation for all God’s goodness. 

Other emotions can put up a red flag when something is terribly wrong. 

For instance, an emotion that produces negative feelings may cast a light on a problem that needs to be addressed. 

Perhaps an apology is due to a brother or sister in Christ, or reparation after a misdeed needs to be made before the matter is resolved. 

If, after following the Lord in obedience — having done all we can to follow Him in these areas but still feel unable to trust His forgiveness, we should ask God to remove the mistrust and unbelief that is unsettling our faith. 

We should take God’s side instead of working against ourselves, and receive the forgiveness He has promised. 

We can pray that God would renew our mind with a right spirit to move forward in faith. 

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” (1 John 1:9 KJV). 

The negative emotions we experience are a part of all of us. 

But it is possible to leave them at the foot of the cross, taking up the shield of faith by grace. 

We can acknowledge Jesus Christ in our lives and what He has promised. 

We can let the negative emotions die and allow Christ’s life to take control.

Toni M. Babcock is author of The Stone Writer, Christian Fiction for Young Readers and Teens, and Reflections from the Heart in Light of the Gospel of Jesus. Contact