Emotions

Scripture portrays both human beings and God as having emotions. Human emotions and sentiments are of importance to the life of faith. Human feelings can be positive or negative and are subject to change and misinterpretation.

Emotions shown by God

Love

Deuteronomy 7:7–8 See also Isaiah 43:4; Jeremiah 31:3; Hosea 11:1; Mark 10:21; John 13:1, John 17:23; 1 John 4:8, 1 John 4:10, 1 John 4:19

The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

Compassion

Psalm 103:13 See also Exodus 33:19; Deuteronomy 13:17; Judges 2:18; Psalm 116:5; Matthew 9:36, Matthew 14:14, Matthew 15:32 parallel Mark 8:2; Matthew 20:34

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

Joy and delight

Jeremiah 32:41 See also Deuteronomy 30:9; Isaiah 62:4; Luke 15:32

Yes , I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will faithfully plant them in this land with all My heart and with all My soul.

Anger

Exodus 22:24 See also Deuteronomy 6:14–15; Joshua 7:1; Jeremiah 7:20; Ezekiel 5:13; Matthew 21:12–13 parallels Mark 11:15–17, Luke 19:45–46, John 2:14–17

My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword; then your wives will become widows and your children will be fatherless.

Human emotions experienced by God's people

Joy

Isaiah 51:11 See also 1 Samuel 2:1; Psalm 4:7, Psalm 28:7, Psalm 30:11–12; Luke 1:47; Acts 16:25

So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.

Love for God and one another

Psalm 116:1 See also Psalm 18:1; John 21:17; 1 John 4:11–12

I love the LORD, for He has heard my voice — my appeal for mercy.

Sorrow and pain

Psalm 6:6–7 See also 1 Samuel 1:7–8, 1 Samuel 1:10; 2 Samuel 18:33; 1 Kings 19:3–4; Psalm 88:15, Psalm 119:28, Psalm 137:1; Jeremiah 15:18; Micah 7:1; John 11:19, John 11:31, John 11:33; Romans 9:2–3

I am weary from groaning; all night I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes fail from grief; they grow dim because of all my foes.

Fear

Exodus 3:6 See also Genesis 18:15; Joshua 9:24; Isaiah 35:4, Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 8:26 parallels Mark 4:40–41, Luke 8:25; Matthew 28:8 parallel Mark 16:8

Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

God's people are to feel for one another

Philippians 1:7–8 See also Exodus 22:21, Exodus 23:9; 1 Corinthians 12:25–26; 2 Corinthians 6:11–13, 2 Corinthians 7:2–3, 2 Corinthians 11:29

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me. God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Believers are to control their emotions

Galatians 5:22–23 See also Proverbs 25:28; Ephesians 4:26, Ephesians 5:18; Colossians 3:8; 1 Timothy 2:8; James 1:19–20

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Emotions are changeable

Proverbs 14:13

Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in sorrow.

The wicked may feel an unwarranted sense of security

Woe to those at ease in Zion and those secure on Mount Samaria, the distinguished ones of the foremost nation, to whom the house of Israel comes.