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Becoming Friends with Your Feelings
I often hear people ask, "How are you feeling today?" The common answer is, "Fine." It was a good question, but not a good answer. Why do we ignore our feelings or camouflage them with such words as "fine" or "not so well"? Feelings are a part of who we are. We have emotions because we are made in the image of God.
How dull life would be if we had no feelings. Imagine watching a sunset, a ball game, or the ocean and feeling no emotion. Feelings are a gift of God to help us enjoy life and process pain. Certainly sometimes we feel lonely, disappointed, and frustrated, but these emotions push us to take constructive action. Pause and thank God for whatever emotion you are presently feeling. Ask Him to guide your actions.
Some Christians are critical of their emotions. They will say, "Don't trust your emotions. Faith, not feelings, is the road to spiritual growth." Why are we so critical of our emotions? In Mark chapter three, Jesus felt anger and sorrow. Is that bad? I don't think any of us would condemn Jesus for having emotions. Then why do we condemn ourselves?
God gave us emotions for growth, maturity, fulfillment, and enjoyment. Feelings were made to be our friends. If it is a negative emotion, it means something needs attention. It is like the red light that appears on the dash when your car needs oil. We don't curse the light; we give attention to the problem. Why not do the same with your emotions? If you take constructive actions, emotions have served their purpose.
Adapted
from The Marriage You've Always Wanted Bible Study by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Dr.
Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
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News & Updates
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Building Relationships Radio 
Saturday, September 5: Long Term Marriage
Ever wonder what makes a marriage last for the long-term? On the next show, meet a man who's had a great ministry, and who's been married seventy years! AWANA Club's Art Rohrheim is our guest. Don't miss Dr. Chapman's interview with him about how a couple thrives for seven decades.
Tune in to Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, the weekly radio broadcast brought to you by Moody Radio and Moody Publishers. Listen live online Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. CST at moodyradio.org, check your local radio station, or download free podcasts and get more information.
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Gary Chapman Conference Schedule
9/19 - Colorado Springs, CO
9/26 - League City, TX
10/2 - Yazoo City, MS
10/17 - Fredericksburg, VA
Click here for more info.
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