How do you tell the difference between feelings, emotions, and the witness of the Holy Spirit. To an atheist or agnostic it would be a meaningless question. Anyone who believes man is the final measure would see no need to get the supernatural involved. For believers it is a tough slog to find an answer.
Feelings and emotions are part of being human. We call people who don’t feel them psychopaths or sociopaths. They are considered lacking in humanity. When you look at the gifts of the Spirit you would have some that are very closely aligned such as mercy and helps. Others such as discernment might ask, “What are you getting emotional about.”
One tool in knowing the difference would be your feeling’s relationship to truth and the facts available. Part of the test that applies in all situations is the witness of the written word. I have laughed at some of the memes that have a mature woman saying something to the effect that if he is already married, God did not send him to you.
Another tool is patience. Wait. Let it simmer. Of course, when we are emotional waiting is the last thing we want to do. Being in a hurry might be an indication that it is not the Holy Spirit.
Sometimes there might be no difference. The Holy Spirit would be capable of working through feelings and emotions. I would imagine there are times when it is the most effective way to get us to respond. That would be even more true when the issue being dealt with is based on emotion rather than truth.
Engage your brain. Compare your concern with eternal truths. Trust the Lord to guide you.
homo unius libri
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Opus 2024-104: Feelings
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Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.