I’m not arguing for an end to logic. What I long to see is the full-inclusion of our humanity as we approach divinity. Humanity, after all, is part of God’s creation. It is how God made us. It is how we reflect God’s image into the world. To cut off part of ourselves in order to better honor God is like a child disfiguring their family resemblance in order to better honor their parents.

God is not afraid of emotion. Bible writers were not afraid to talk about God’s emotions and their own. We are even commanded to express emotion even as we are directed to find our peace in God. Let’s recognize our emotions as a gift and an inheritance. Let’s learn to notice and be curious about what we are experiencing as we walk through life, and as we study the scriptures and theology. Let’s integrate ourselves and be fully human as we approach God who made us to both think and feel.

I know that you fear God.

Genesis 22:12

I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you,

and that your joy may be complete.

John 15:11

I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.

Romans 9:2

Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger. Ephesians 4:26

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.

Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable,

if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise,

think about these things.

Philippians 4:4-8









Posted with permission. Original found here.