The Flame Within

As believer’s, we’re called to walk in truth. 

“The truth will set you free.” John 8:32

The process of knowing the truth about {you} Is essential to becoming Christ-like.  We can not become more like Christ when we are operating in denial about our pain, insecurities, trauma, weaknesses, sinful bents, and behavioral addictions. Through this process we learn to understand God more; his unconditional love, faithfulness, tenderness, forgiveness, 

and gentleness. 

For this reason, it is essential to take responsibility for owning your emotions.  As a counselor, I know that I cannot help my clients to heal by managing their emotions for them.  I am not able to wave a magic wand and make their lives great and wonderful, I wish I could. I am able to sit with them, point them to Jesus, comfort them, challenge them, and teach them healthy coping skills for the management of their emotions.  One thing ive learned with absolute confidence, is that no one else can carry the weight of another’s inner life; I’ve learned this the hard way {literally} by trying my hardest to save those I love.  This process only created anxiety, hurt, and a greater division in the relationship.

A common theme we’ve all experienced and all have been quilty of at some point, is blaming others for mistakes or unhealed pain.  Often, we humans suppress how we feel.  This may seem easier in the moment, but it keeps us from growth, healing, and deeper intimacy with God.

When we go through the process of owning our emotions through a spiritual journey, we begin a holy and sacred process. This is the first thing I discuss with new clients, “We are beginning a spiritual journey of healing.”  Friends, emotions are not the enemy—they’re messengers. They offer insight into our heart, soul, and body: emotions tell us what we fear, what we value, where we’re wounded, and where God is inviting us to grow. Owning our emotions teaches us about ourselves—our strengths, our struggles, and our hidden hurts.

Friends, the more we learn about ourselves, the more space we give God to transform us. Self-awareness isn’t prideful, arrogant, or a weakness; It is an essential process to becoming more Christ-like.  It is absolutely essential to being an emotionally safe person. Personal self-reflection and increased insight is the primary tool the Holy Spirit uses to refine us, comfort us, and align our hearts with God’s truth.

In God’s word, the Psalmist cried out with “honest”, with real emotions and feelings.  He allowed the process to point to Jesus. In scripture, Jesus wept, experienced fear over the crucifixion., and pain over loss.   The process of owning emotions is modeled in the scripture. Emotion is the process of bringing into the light our whole self; so that healing can begin.  By learning to manage emotions with love and compassion, we move towards becoming more like Christ. Through the process we find peace with ourselves, our pasts, those who’ve hurt us, and with God. 

I say this in love and with great compassion, take responsibility for your emotions. Allow them be the gateway, not a barrier, to good emotional and spiritual health. Allow your emotions to be a profound teacher, pointing you to Jesus for understanding, wisdom, and healing. Through this process of emotional ownership, if you seek Him, God will meet you on the journey.  Together, you’ll find your way to God, healing, peace, mended relationships, and abundant joy on the path to a victorious life in Christ. 

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” — Psalm 139:23

#ChristianLiving #EmotionalHealth #FaithAndFeelings #InnerHealing

#GodMeetsUsThere #spirotualgrowth #emotionalgrowth