Bible Principles & Feelings

Posted By: Daryl

Bible Principles & Feelings - 12/10/00 04:55 PM

Is there a difference between Bible principles and feelings?

If yes, which should we follow and why?

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"For God so loved Daryl Fawcett that He gave His only
Begotten Son that....."

Daryl

Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Bible Principles & Feelings - 12/12/00 07:01 AM

“Is there a difference between Bible principles and feelings?
If yes, which should we follow and why?”

Well, I would have to say that a “feeling” is something in our mind; and a Bible principle is something in God’s mind. So, based on that initial premise: Yes. There is a difference between the two.

It is certainly not necessarily wrong to have “feelings” about something; even about “Bible Principles.” But, the Bible principles are there to tell us what to do with those “feelings.”

The following poem illustrates this fact very well. I copied this out of the back of a little old man’s Bible whom I used to look after during my nursing career. My faith was quite shaken this one evening I had gone into the nursing home for a night shift. I had strong feelings of bitterness over some supposed wrongs. First thing I know, this usually tired looking old fellow started talking to me in a very animated way about Eph.3:19, and as I opened his very old, very worn Bible to look up this verse, my eye caught the following poem scribbled onto the inside, front cover:

“Three men were walking on a wall:
Feeling
Faith
and Fact
When Feeling had an awful fall
and Faith was taken back
But Fact remained
and pulled Faith back
and Faith brought Feeling too!”

“To know the love of Christ,” (Eph.3:19), was the FACT in my case, that brought back my FAITH, and in it’s train came feelings of joy in the Lord once again. In this way; feelings can be followed, but never if it means the compromising of some Scripture.

Most of the time; I think, that when we refer to feelings versus the Bible, we refer to negative feelings, and even these, we do need to pay close attention to. They can be indicators of something we need; and there is a place where we can draw a line of sorts when it comes to these negative feelings:

“It is not wise to look to ourselves, and to study our emotions. If we do this, the enemy will present difficulties and temptations that weaken faith and destroy courage. Closely to study our emotions, and give way to our feelings, is to entertain doubt, and entangle ourselves in perplexity.” (MH 249).

Many of the Bible characters were in the habit of expressing very strong feelings – even suicidal ideations. (like Elijah). What could this mean for the Christian today?

Well, as I found out that night in the nursing home, there is hope for everyone. No matter who you are, or what your feelings may be; you can “know the love of Christ.”

“None need abandon themselves to discouragement and despair. Satan may come to you with the cruel suggestion: ‘Your’s is a hopeless case. You are irredeemable.’ But there is hope for you in Christ. God does not bid us overcome in our own strength. He asks us to come close to His side. Whatever difficulties we labor under; which weigh down soul and body, He waits to make us free!” (MH 249).

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"We are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets; Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone!" (Eph.2:20).

Your brother in Christ

David T. Battler

Posted By: Daryl

Re: Bible Principles & Feelings - 12/18/00 07:01 AM

Are all good feelings good?

In other words, what about the saying, "If it feels good do it"?

_________________________
It is more blessed to give
than to receive. (Acts 20:35)

Daryl

Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Bible Principles & Feelings - 12/18/00 11:58 AM

Brother Daryl

I just love questions like this! It is interesting to me that you have come out with this thread topic, right at the time I have started seriously study this subject!

But give me a couple of days to figure out a reply. This will be a very busy week for me work-wise.

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"We are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets; Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone!" (Eph.2:20).

Your brother in Christ

David T. Battler

Posted By: Edward F Sutton

Re: Bible Principles & Feelings - 12/19/00 04:55 PM

Would it be a good explanation ?

Faith is, trusting in God's absolute wisdom as revealed in inspired words because of their trustworthiness despite your mood or circumstances.

Feelings are, wanting to or not wanting to trust God's inspired words depending upon your mood and circumstances.

Whoops; question was Bible principles & feelings not faith & feelings. Well I'll add one more sentence.

Bible Principles are God's unchanging wisdom and mandates. Feelings are our shifting emotions and attitudes, that are based on a lot of temporary human stuff.

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Edward F Sutton

[This message has been edited by Edward F Sutton (edited December 19, 2000).]

Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Bible Principles & Feelings - 12/30/00 07:04 AM

It is very important to acknowledge your real feelings to God as reflected in the following example from Scripture:

"Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me, for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins..." (Ps.25:16-18).

This is a good example of how we can pray about it.

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Soul winning is soul loving.
see 1 Thes.5:14-15).

Your brother in Christ

David T. Battler

Posted By: Mountain Man

Re: Bible Principles & Feelings - 01/02/01 02:37 AM

"... thoughts and feelings combined make up the moral character." HP 164.

Is it possible our feelings are critical to character development?

Seems to me a truly converted person is blessed with sanctified feelings from on High! And doubly blessed with "eye-salve" to discern between holy and unholy feelings. And wonderfully blessed with Spirit powered ability to recognize and resist dark feelings from beneath.

God bless, Mike

Posted By: Linda Sutton

Re: Bible Principles & Feelings - 01/02/01 04:07 AM

Very true, Mike.

Our feelings are very important, but they must be sanctified feelings. Feelings follow thoughts, therefore our thoughts must be sanctified if our feelings are to be sanctified or holy. Since our characters are the only thing that we will take with us into heaven, this is the most important personal work we can do as Christians.

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Even so come, Lord Jesus
Linda

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