Handling Negative Emotions

HandlingNegative Emotions

God’s plan for when things go wrong

Series Introduction3/20/11

Human EmotionsAre Very Complex

When I searched the internet for a list

of human emotions, I discovered every theoretician has a different list and some

are quite involved.

Just Kidding—But Really

• God has created us with a complex system of emotions• Emotions are not “good” or “bad” in and of themselves;

what matters is what we do with our emotions• We live in a broken world because of sin and things

don’t always work right• The author of our emotions has given us a manual (the

Bible) to instruct us on how to handle our emotions.

This Sermon Series Will Cover:

Basic Emotion Can Lead To Should Have

Anger Bitterness Joy

Fear General Anxiety Peace

Disgust Hatred Love

Sadness Depression Hope

Lust/Desire CovetousnessGreed or Envy

Gratitude

This Sermon Series Is Not:A substitute for your Doctor regarding the use of psychotropic drugs.

I am not a doctor and would never presume to tell you to get on or off a prescription drug.

Biblically speaking, I have no problem with using a drug to help handle emotions as long as…

The drug doesn’t impair your judgment (Eph. 5:18)The drug doesn’t become an addiction (1Cor. 6:12)The drug isn’t a substitute for dealing with the root problem*

*Some emotional problems have an organic or medical cause and can be treated medically, but psychotropic drugs are not curative, they only mask the symptoms

This Sermon Series Is Not:

• Suggesting that you abandon all emotions

• Teaching you how to never feel negative emotions (that would be unhealthy)

• An excuse for not seeing a counselor (Having emotional problems doesn’t mean you are crazy; just fairly normal. Please talk to someone.)

• Claiming to have all the answers

This Sermon Series Is:

A biblical look at what should be understood and done

when negative emotions go wrong.

Read the following Bible story…CONTEXTDavid is still running from King Saul at this point in his life. Saul is persecuting him for no reason.

David has collected a following of misfits and outcasts that are loyal to him.

From time to time David fought the Philistines, the enemy of Israel.

Apparently David and his men had voluntarily provided protection for Nabal’s shepherds

CLICK HERE to read the story.

Ask yourself the following questions…

1. What were Nabal’s emotions when David’s men talked to him? What about when Abigail told him what she had done?

2. What were Abigail’s emotions when she heard the news? What about after she talked to David? What about after her husband died?

3. What were David’s emotions when he heard of Nabal’s response to his request? What about after Abigail talked to him? What about after Nabal died?

4. Could you be an “Abigail” in someone’s life? Has anyone ever helped you like she helped David?

Consider these things…

Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9) Who was the peacemaker in this story?

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. (Romans 12:19) Who was the avenger in this story?

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works… (Hebrews 10:24) Whose job is it to help other believers do the right thing?

Does God Have Emotions?

• Yes!

• Consider His compassion shown to us by sending Jesus to die in our place

• Have you accepted God’s gracious offer of forgiveness?

• If you have, you should be sharing His love in practical ways in all areas of your life

For God so loved the world…

We are showing the way to eternal life and abundant life

GreenTree