Slides: Emotional Fitness

By David Feddes

Salvator Mundi

In 2005 a painting sold for less than $10,000. Twelve years later it sold for $450 million. Why the huge increase in price? After removing grime and restoring the painting, it was authenticated as the original Salvator Mundi (Savior of the World) by the great master Leonardo da Vinci. Likewise, we may be grimy with sin, and our value may seem low. But beneath the grime, and despite how low others may value us or how low we may value ourselves, we are created by the Master, and the price paid for us is the infinitely precious blood of the Son of God. Knowing ourselves to be created by God and purchased with Jesus’ blood is the foundation for emotional fitness.

Emotional fitness

• In tune with reality, others, and God.
• Displayed appropriately.
• Linked with other parts of total fitness.
• Sense true and deep realities.
• Hints of your heart and of God’s heart.
• Limited pain, unlimited pleasure.

Emotional fitness

Feelings are in tune with reality, others, and God.

Emotional displays

A fool shows his annoyance at once. (12:16)

A man of understanding is even-tempered. (17:27)

Like a city whose walls are broken down 
is a man who lacks self-control. (25:28)

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. (29:11)

Hidden emotions

Each heart knows its own bitterness, 
and no one else can share its joy. (14:10)

Even in laughter the heart may ache, 
and joy may end in grief. (14:13)

Better is open rebuke than hidden love. (27:5)

Feeling with others

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. (15:30)

Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. (25:20)

If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse. (27:14)

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. (Romans 12:15-16)

If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. (1 Cor 12:26)

Joy shared is joy multiplied; sorrow shared is sorrow divided.

Emotional impact

An anxious heart weighs a man down, 
but a kind word cheers him up. (12:25)

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, 
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. (13:12)

The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. (15:4)

A heart at peace gives life to the body, 
but envy rots the bones. (14:30)

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, 
but heartache crushes the spirit. (15:13)

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (17:22)

A man’s spirit sustains him in sickness, 
but a crushed spirit who can bear? (18:14)

Total Fitness
Emotional fitness interacts with other part of total fitness.

• Spiritual
• Physical
• Financial
• Intellectual
• Emotional
• Relational
• Vocational

 

Emotional confusion
Warped emotions misread reality.

Pleasant feelings

• Hope, joy
• Purity, dignity
• Peace, love

Painful feelings

• Fear, sadness
• Guilt, shame
• Anger, hate

Emotional fitness
Fit emotions feel true realities.

Pleasant feelings

• Hope, joy
• Purity, dignity
• Peace, love

Painful feelings

• Fear, sadness
• Guilt, shame
• Anger, hate

 

Emotional fitness
Fit emotions feel deep realities.

Life is far worse than I dare to admit.
Life is far better than I dare to dream.

I am far worse than I dare to admit.
I am far greater than I dare to dream.

God is far harsher than I dare to fear.
God is far kinder than I dare to hope.

Heart knowledge

Emotions give hints of your heart.

• What your heart is doing with reality.
• What your heart is doing with others.
• What you heart is doing with God.

Emotions give hints of God’s heart.

• Your feelings hint at God’s feelings.
• God’s feelings reveal his character.

Emotional fitness
Fit emotions feel limited pain and unlimited pleasure.

Pleasant feelings

• Hope, joy
• Purity, dignity
• Peace, love

Painful feelings

• Fear, sadness
• Guilt, shame
• Anger, hate

Emotional fitness

• In tune with reality, others, and God.
• Displayed appropriately.
• Linked with other parts of total fitness.
• Sense true and deep realities.
• Hints of your heart and of God’s heart.
• Limited pain, unlimited pleasure.