Be Imitator of the Divine Emotions

"When Jesus cleared the temple of the moneychangers and animal-sellers, He showed great emotion and anger. Jesus’ emotion was described as “zeal” for God’s house (John 2:17). His anger was pure and completely justified because at its root was concern for God’s holiness and worship" (GotQuestion.Org)

Control your feelings. By ‘control’ I don’t mean suppressing your feelings. To blow up with anger is clearly as wrong as to keep your anger inside. Implosion (I just learned this word) from the inside is as much harmful as explosion of emotions. I like how David Matthew defines self-control; it is to “bring our emotions to a place of proper balance in our lives just like Jesus”. Question, how on earth can we do this?

One of the ways is by imitating the Divine emotions. Imitate our heavenly Father, who long for His children to be like Him. After explaining on how to live as God’s children of light, Apostle Paul writes, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children” (Ephesians 5:1, NLT). If you read and very familiar with the Scripture, you will find that God the Father is active in showing His emotions of love which reaches out and takes the initiative; His righteous anger burns against sin and injustice; His compassion toward the weak and helpless; His sadness over men’s hard-heartedness and refusal to repent. All these and more – we should cultivate the same emotions like Him.

Paul also writes, “Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God” (Ephesians 5:2). He said follow, copy or imitate also Christ. Look at the Scripture you will find Jesus’ godly emotions shown such as wept at a graveside (so can you); denounced hypocrisy with a holy passion for God’s glory (so can you); expressed genuine love towards those who desire to follow Him (so can you) and more. All these examples we ought to imitate. Mind you, friends, as a man, Jesus was the manliest of all men and His emotional life was rich. Imitate Him with confidence.

In dealing with your emotions and as Children of light,
the Scripture said, “Imitate God” and follow the “example of Christ”, okay?

God’s Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.